KABUL, April 23 (Reuters) – Afghanistan faces the threat of serious drought this year after recording the lowest snowfall and rain in years over the winter, officials said on Monday, with at least 20 of 34 provinces already suffering badly.
The 20 provinces in the war-torn country saw a 60 percent shortfall in rain and snowfall during the winter season.
Snowmelt is an important source of water for crops and irrigation in a country where food is scarce for many households.
The U.N. Children’s Fund (UNICEF) appealed on Monday for $10 million to help children and their families in drought-affected provinces.
"The priority is to prevent the situation from deteriorating, by responding to the needs of children and families in the worst affected areas," said Adele Khodr, UNICEF representative in Afghanistan.
An official at the agriculture ministry said it would start distribution of 2,000 metric tonnes of wheat imported from India and Kazakhstan before seeking fresh aid.
Last week, President Ashraf Ghani ordered officials to attend to the needs of distressed farmers and livestock producers.
But the situation is further complicated by an escalating conflict that often picks up with the start of warmer spring weather, leading to increased displacement and reduced access for humanitarian workers.
(Editing by James Mackenzie and Nick Macfie) © Copyright Thomson Reuters 2018.
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