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The International Federation of Red Cross and Red
Crescent Societies is appealing for nearly $700,000 to assist 17,500
victims of severe snowfalls and bitterly cold weather in the Afghan
capital, Kabul. This cold snap also is affecting tens of thousands of
families in northern and western Afghanistan.
International aid agencies report poor people in rural areas are at
particular risk from the bitterly cold weather. They say it is difficult,
often impossible, to reach people in remote mountainous areas. They say
many villages are completely cut off because of the snow.
Agencies such as the International Organization for Migration are
distributing winter supplies to thousands of needy families in northern
and western Afghanistan. The agency reports hundreds of people are dying
from cold-related illnesses.
The Geneva-based Red Cross Federation is supporting the Afghan Red
Crescent in its efforts to assist thousands of destitute people in Kabul. A
spokesman, Roy Probert, says at least 260 people there have perished in
the extreme cold weather.
"The majority of the dead are children under the age of five and the
elderly," he said. "We have seen a lot of cases of respiratory infections,
pneumonia. There are a lot of cases of
whooping cough as well amongst children. And, obviously,
hypothermia has been a big
cause of death amongst the elderly. So, we are very very concerned about
caring for the very weak, the children, pregnant mothers and the elderly."
Mr. Probert says Kabul has thousands of homeless people who are living
in buildings that have been damaged or destroyed during fighting with the
Taleban. He says these places do not have any heating or other services.
"Because of the political changes that have been going on in
Afghanistan in recent years, there have been a lot of people returning
from other countries," he said. "The refugees that left the country during
the war have been returning. There are other people who have been
displaced for other reasons. We estimate there are some 17,500 displaced
or returning people in Kabul living in pretty poor conditions and they are
extremely vulnerable."
The Red Cross spokesman says the Afghan government is gradually
relocating these vulnerable people to places that can better protect them
from the cold weather. He says the greatest needs are for shelter and
food, as well as improving sanitation facilities and hygiene. | 
