The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is increasing assistance to the communities in Kabul, Maidan Wardak, and Logar provinces which have recently suffered from disastrous floods.
These floods have caused immense destruction, killing several people and injuring others in the country.
These provinces, Including Maidan Wardak and Logar, are already confronted with several difficulties, including poverty and restricted access to resources are disproportionately affected by climate change.
Due to flooding, the people have been forced to flee their homes; now, they are left without shelter and necessities.
“Rising temperatures, changing weather patterns, and increased frequency of extreme events, such as floods, are compounding the struggles of these communities, disrupting livelihoods, and eroding the resilience of the local population. Regrettably, those who contribute the least to climate change are bearing the brunt of its consequences”, the IRC said in a statement.
Meanwhile, the IRC underscored the urgent need for global action to address climate change, its impact on vulnerable communities, and the inherent injustice in its unequal distribution of harm.
“Communities in Maidan Wardak and Logar provinces are grappling with the aftermath of these devastating floods, with more rainfall projected in the coming days. The situation demands immediate attention and support,” said Mohammed Riyas, Regional Emergency Director for IRC in Asia.
“While climate change is a global crisis, it is unequivocally evident that its impact is felt disproportionately by those who have contributed the least to its causes. We must stand in solidarity and recognize the moral imperative to support vulnerable communities as they face the consequences of a crisis they did not create.”
“The IRC’s emergency response teams are working tirelessly to provide essential aid and services to those affected in Kabul and Logar, including health and medical support. In the coming days, we will also distribute cash to affected populations so that they can buy essential items. Just today, IRC launched a report highlighting that cash-based anticipatory action can help recover from, and build resilience to, climate disasters in fragile settings affected by conflict and climate change.”
To combat climate change and assist vulnerable populations disproportionately affected by its impacts, the IRC calls on governments, international organizations, and people worldwide to join forces.
Additionally, whereas 28.8 million people require urgent humanitarian aid, the humanitarian response plan has less than 25% of its funding. IRC calls on international donors to pay attention to the most vulnerable countries when financing efforts to combat climate change, especially because many disasters are predictable.
