6 May 2010 - United Nations agencies are rushing emergency food and non-food assistance to hundreds of flood affected families in Afghanistan’s western province of Herat

Rainfall and torrential flooding has devastated many areas, killing some 14 people, including seven children, injuring 30 others and damaging more than 250 houses and destroying around 300 hectares of agricultural land.

In a joint effort, the United Nations has provided humanitarian food and non-food assistance to vulnerable families affected by the rainfall and flooding.

Local officials in Herat claim that three districts were affected by flooding and the largest part of damage covered the Obeh District of Herat province.

Afghanistan National Disaster Management Authority (ANDMA) officials in Herat said that the assistance provided by the United Nations agencies, NGOs and Afghan National Army have played a vital role in recent days for the flood affected families.

The assistance provided is in the form of children’s kits, jerry cans, blankets, biscuits, pucks of tarpaulins, and tents.

Assiluddin Jami Heart’s Provincial Executive Director said that Obeh, Pashtun-Zarghoon and Chesht-e-Sharif districts have been affected by the rainfall and flooding.

He also expressed gratitude for the efforts of the United Nations and NGOs and their timely assistance.

Mr Jami added that the flood was so heavy that it even entered the district compound and damaged the district’s administration building.

In the meantime, teams from the local Department of Health are searching to find missing people.

By Fraidoon Poya, UNAMA