In the midst of floods in Afghanistan, a 22-ton consignment of humanitarian aid from Qatar for the flood victims of Baghlan province has arrived in Mazar-e-Sharif, as reported by TOLO News. The aid, including food, medicine, tents, and other essentials, was delivered to officials at Maulana Jalaluddin Mohammad Balkhi airport on Monday in Mazar-e-Sharif.
During the delivery, the Qatari representative emphasized Doha’s commitment to providing humanitarian assistance to the flood-affected people in Afghanistan. Fahd Abdullah Al-Dosari, head of the International Search and Rescue Advisory Group of Qatar, stated, “This is our first shipment of aid. These 22 tons of supplies include medicine, tents, and other necessities for the affected people, and Qatar will continue its relief efforts for the flood victims in Afghanistan.”
Afghanistan views Qatar’s support as crucial and has appealed to other nations for assistance. Mohammad Alam Jamil, the financial and administrative deputy of the Ministry of Economy, mentioned, “This 22-ton shipment includes tents, camp beds, and food items. This aid is not the last; perhaps five more planes will come.”
While expressing gratitude for Qatar’s gesture, some affected families and residents of Baghlan province urged for the prompt transfer and distribution of the aid. Shah Wali, a flood victim in Baghlan, remarked, “We are pleased that they are helping. We want other countries to help these people too because they have suffered a lot and have had casualties.”
The initial shipment of Qatar’s humanitarian aid was handed over to local officials in Balkh province. Criticism arose previously regarding the slow distribution of humanitarian aid in Baghlan. Additionally, the World Food Programme reported that due to heavy floods, most affected areas, including Baghlan, are inaccessible by vehicles, prompting aid workers to use donkeys for transferring emergency supplies.
The floods have led to a significant humanitarian crisis, causing extensive damage in provinces like Badakhshan, Ghor, Baghlan, and Herat. Nearly 2,000 homes have been damaged, and widespread destruction has occurred in these areas.