UN Official Calls For Stepping Up Support To Afghan Quake Victims

(MENAFN- Kuwait News Agency (KUNA)) NEW YORK, Sept 5 (KUNA) -- UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher on Friday urged world countries to rush for the help of Afghani people after the recent devastating earthquake which killed over 2,000 people.
In a statement, Fletcher warned, "failing to rally resources now will mean deeper suffering and more lives lost, with winter fast approaching."
"Hundreds of thousands of people in remote areas already scarred by decades of conflict and displacement have lost their homes and livelihoods.
Communities hit include those where people returning from Iran and Pakistan had only just begun to rebuild their lives, Fletcher said.
"This is the latest crisis to expose the cost of shrinking resources on vital humanitarian work".
Massive funding cuts have already brought essential health and nutrition services for millions to a halt; grounded aircraft, which are often the only lifeline to remote communities; and forced aid agencies to reduce their footprint.
"Our teams are nevertheless active, led by Humanitarian Coordinator Indrika Ratwatte," Fletcher added.
"Within hours of the earthquake, OCHA's pooled funds released USD 10 million to kickstart the response to provide shelter, food, water, child protection, health and logistics support.
The de facto authorities have quickly responded. Countries are generously providing relief supplies and critical initial funding, but this isn't enough," Fletcher said. (end)
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