Help sent to Afghanistan

Tearfund partners in Afghanistan are working to help vulnerable people in remote mountain regions survive brutal winter conditions as part of a two-year response plan to support communities most impacted by recent earthquakes.

Those working in tandem with the well-known organisation are handing out winter survival kits to the most vulnerable, many of whom are now living in tents after losing loved ones and their homes, following three earthquakes which ravaged eastern Afghanistan at the end of the summer months, killing almost 2,000 people.

The survival kits consist of warm mattresses, blankets, clothes, cooking utensils and insulated coverings for temporary shelters. It is hoped that these items will give the most vulnerable, including many orphans and widows, a better chance of surviving the harshest winter conditions, which often feature heavy snow and temperatures as low as minus six degrees Celsius.

Solomon Cornelius, Tearfund’s Country Director for Afghanistan, revealed to en that local authorities are working with them to help those most in need.

He said: “[Local authorities] are providing us with access to very rural areas and tribes, and assessment of damage to people and communities when the earthquakes initially hit [who needed] medical assistance, food, water and shelter. Tearfund staff and partners continue to work in collaboration with local authorities and organisations in order to help those most in need of urgent assistance.”

Discussing Tearfund’s two-year plan, Cornelius said that the delivery of winter survival kits is the plan’s second stage, following their initial immediate humanitarian response which saw them provide water, hygiene kits, shelter and medical aid to around 6,000 people.

Discussing future aims, he said: “In the areas [where] we are working more than 13,000 houses were destroyed, so the longer-term plan will be to help rebuild houses, build earthquake-resistant shelters and restore ways for families to earn money to live … The winter season will last until March. Our local teams will continue to support communities throughout this time.”