IRIN
AFGHANISTAN: Emergency assistance reaches flood victims in the north
19 July 2004


[This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations]

KABUL, 19 July (IRIN) - Following heavy flooding in the northern provinces 
of Bamian, Badakhshan and Samangan, food aid and emergency assistance has 
been dispatched to some of the affected areas, the United Nations 
Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) said on Sunday.

According to UNAMA, seven doctors are now in the area of three remote 
villages - Deqala, Bajga and Ruy Sang in the Kahmard district of Bamian - 
recently badly hit by flooding, as a result of coordinated efforts by the 
provincial government, UNAMA, the Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT) - 
coalition troops engaged in reconstruction work - and aid agencies. The 
World Food Programme (WFP) is assessing immediate food needs, the office 
of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is looking at 
the needs of internally displaced people (IDPs) and the New Zealand PRT is 
providing overall support to the process.

"At this time, the number of displaced people is not known. We have 
received reports, however, that two children aged approximately two and 
eight have died in this district," UN spokesman Manoel de Almeida e Silva 
told IRIN.

He said Deqala was the site closest to Ajar where a large body of surface 
water had built up, preventing villagers from accessing a spring which was 
the area's primary source of clean water. The large body of stagnant water 
was also a potential hazard, that could lead to water borne diseases and 
the destruction of agricultural land, Manoel added.

UNAMA said UN teams were on the ground in Shohada and Jurm in Badakhshan 
to asses areas that had been severely flooded by heavy rains on Saturday. 
"In Darghab village, Shohada district, around 31 houses have been 
completely destroyed. Eight people, including five women and children, 
have died while 13 others have been injured." Manoel said.

UNAMA said that in the villages of Hatta, Chab-dara and Da-i-Dara in Jurm 
district more than 20 houses had been destroyed but as yet they had no 
information on casualties. All the affected families had been registered 
by the World Food Programme (WFP) and would receive food assistance, tents 
and emergency kits.

Meanwhile, a Natural Disaster Management Task Force, comprised of UN and 
government representatives, was assessing flooded areas in parts of Ruyi 
Du Ab district of Samangan province. "Information gathered to date 
indicates that up to 100 families have displaced and severe crop damage 
has occurred in Samangan province," Manoel said.


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