The United Nations reported that the number of individuals displaced due to drought in western Afghanistan has reached 275,000 in recent months, which is 52,000 more than those displaced by violence during the same period. The UN and aid charities have warned that water scarcity and drought threaten over two million people in Afghanistan. According to Reuters, about twenty million people in Afghanistan rely on agriculture for their livelihoods, but the country's Ministry of Agriculture has announced that 45 percent of its agricultural capacity has been lost due to drought. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs stated in its latest periodic report on the situation in Afghanistan that the number of displaced persons who have moved to the city of Qala-i-Naw in Badghis province has reached 120,000. Approximately 40 percent of livestock in Badghis province have perished, and around 99 percent of the residents of this province reported that their food situation has worsened compared to last year. According to the report, over 100,000 displaced individuals have also moved from surrounding villages and districts to the city of Herat. This UN agency has allocated $34.6 million for immediate humanitarian assistance as drought conditions worsen in Afghanistan, but it is severely budget-constrained, having received only 36 percent of the $547 million requested to assist four million Afghans. An American organization monitoring global famine conditions warned a month ago that the number of Afghan citizens entering a 'crisis situation' has sharply increased. In a five-stage famine classification, the 'crisis' status is ranked third, followed by 'emergency' in the fourth stage and 'catastrophe' in the fifth. The UN has also warned about the onset of winter and the situation of drought-displaced persons. Since the end of the international military mission in Afghanistan in 2014, the country has witnessed not only increased violence but also severe drought. Reuters reported that on the eve of Afghanistan's parliamentary elections, many Afghan citizens say their politicians are disconnected from their daily real problems. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs had previously warned in June about famine in parts of Afghanistan.
The Number of Displaced Persons Due to Drought in Afghanistan Exceeds War Displaced
The UN reports that drought has displaced more people in Afghanistan than violence, with 275,000 individuals affected. This crisis threatens over two million people, exacerbating food insecurity and highlighting the disconnect between politicians and citizens ahead of elections.
👥 Key Players
📰 What Happened
The UN reported that drought has displaced 275,000 individuals in Afghanistan, surpassing those displaced by violence. This crisis threatens over two million people, highlighting severe food insecurity and a disconnect between politicians and citizens.
- 45% of Afghanistan's agricultural capacity has been lost due to drought.
- The UN has only received 36% of the funding needed for humanitarian assistance.
💡 Why It Matters
📚 Background
Afghanistan has faced multiple crises, including violence and natural disasters, leading to significant humanitarian challenges. The reliance on agriculture makes the population particularly vulnerable to drought.
🏷️ Entities Mentioned
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