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136,000 Afghans Face Starvation in Nooristan Amid Border Clashes

Severe food shortages and a lack of basic supplies threaten 136,000 people in Afghanistan's Nooristan province due to weeks of border clashes. Communities in Kamdesh and Barg-e-Matal districts have been cut off for over six weeks because of road closures and insecurity. Humanitarian agencies, including the ICRC and UN, have begun delivering food and medical supplies after dialogues with conflict parties. The organizations emphasize neutrality and call for sustained, safe access to assist the vulnerable populations.

Key Points: Severe Food Shortages Hit 136,000 in Afghanistan's Nooristan

  • 136,000 people at risk
  • Border clashes restrict access
  • Kamdesh and Barg-e-Matal worst-hit
  • Aid delivery now underway
2 min read

Afghanistan's Nooristan faces severe food shortages, 136,000 people at risk: ICRC

Border clashes cut off communities, creating a dire humanitarian crisis for over 136,000 people in Afghanistan's remote Nooristan province.

"Afghanistan remains in a deep humanitarian crisis, with millions relying on aid amid widespread poverty, weak healthcare systems and economic collapse. - Khaama Press"

Kabul, April 22

Severe food shortages are being faced by 136,000 people representing 17,000 households, due to border clashes for weeks between Taliban forces and Pakistan, local media reported on Tuesday.

Basic household items and health care are also issues due to the restricted access and insecurity, said a press release by the International Committee of the Red Cross(ICRC).

Kamdesh and Barg-e-Matal districts are the worst-affected areas, as road closures left the communities cut off for more than six weeks, Afghanistan's leading news agency Khaama Press reported.

"Afghanistan remains in a deep humanitarian crisis, with millions relying on aid amid widespread poverty, weak healthcare systems and economic collapse," said the report from Khaama.

Supply disruptions caused by conflict make remote regions like Nuristan particularly vulnerable due to poor infrastructure.

The press release also mentioned that ICRC, ARCS and UN agencies have engaged in sustained dialogue with all parties to the armed conflict since early April.

In a multi-day operation, the humanitarian actors have now commenced the delivery of vital assistance to affected communities, following the discussions. The delivery of food, medical supplies and other essential relief items is prioritised in the initial response activities.

To ensure that the assistance is aligned with the most urgent needs on the ground, the ICRC, ARCS, and UN agencies continue to engage closely with community representatives, the press release highlighted.

According to early assessments, food security, health care and essential services needs still remain significant.

"The humanitarian organisations involved reiterate their commitment to operating in accordance with the principles of neutrality, independence and impartiality, and call for continued support from all parties to facilitate safe, unimpeded and sustained access to vulnerable communities," said the news release from the ICRC.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
The report mentions the weak healthcare system as a compounding factor. After decades of conflict, it's no surprise the infrastructure has collapsed. These remote communities need sustainable solutions, not just emergency drops. The world's attention has moved on, but their suffering hasn't.
R
Rohit P
Border clashes between Taliban and Pakistan... and ordinary Afghans pay the price. Cut off for 6 weeks! This is why regional stability is so crucial. India has always provided humanitarian aid to Afghanistan; I hope our channels are being used to help in some way. Jai Hind.
P
Priya S
While the ICRC's work is commendable, one has to ask: where is the accountability from the warring parties? They fight, they close roads, and then expect NGOs to clean up the mess. The press release's call for "unimpeded access" sounds like a plea falling on deaf ears. The system is broken.
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Vikram M
"Deep humanitarian crisis" is an understatement. Millions relying on aid. It's a stark reminder of how quickly things can fall apart. We must not forget our neighbours in their time of need. Hope the delivery of supplies reaches everyone in Kamdesh and Barg-e-Matal soon.
M
Michael C
The principle of neutrality is key here. If aid agencies are seen as taking sides, their workers become targets and the vulnerable lose their lifeline. A tough but necessary balance to strike in such a complex conflict zone. Respect to those on the ground doing this work.

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