OCHA: Climate Crisis intensifies humanitarian needs in Afghanistan

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has reported that the climate crisis in Afghanistan has intensified the country’s humanitarian challenges.

OCHA stated this update on Sunday, January 12, on its official X/ Twitter account. The office stated that humanitarian aid alone is not enough for Afghanistan, as the country is also suffering from an environmental crisis.

The report highlights that Afghanistan remains “highly vulnerable” to natural disasters, climate change, and geopolitical tensions. These factors exacerbate the existing challenges faced by its population.

According to OCHA, environmental changes in Afghanistan worsen with each passing day. In 2024, floods in all 34 provinces affected over 170,000 people.

The floods resulted in the deaths of 500 people and injuries to 800 others. Additionally, tens of thousands of homes were either partially or completely destroyed.

According to OCHA, $6.7 billion in humanitarian aid provided since August 2021 has significantly improved conditions in critical sectors such as food security, healthcare, education, protection, hygiene, and shelter, contributing to a relative improvement in the overall humanitarian situation.

While 29.2 million people required humanitarian assistance in 2023, OCHA notes an improvement, with a decline in the number of individuals needing urgent support. Despite this, the report states that 22.9 million people (over half of Afghanistan’s population) will still require humanitarian aid in the coming year.

OCHA’s previous reports reveal that 14.8 million people—roughly one-third of the population—require food and agricultural assistance this year. Acute food insecurity, coupled with insufficient water, sanitation, and healthcare services, continues to drive malnutrition rates higher.

The report underlines the pivotal role of humanitarian aid in reducing suffering and averting a larger-scale disaster. OCHA notes a dramatic decrease in the number of people facing emergency food insecurity.

OCHA emphasizes the need for sustained international support and long-term strategies to address Afghanistan’s challenges, highlighting climate resilience, governance, and infrastructure. A coordinated approach is vital to combine immediate relief with development for a sustainable future.

Since the Taliban regained control of Afghanistan, poverty has deepened, and the country has faced complete international isolation.

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