Warning from World Food Program on Aid Cuts in Afghanistan Due to Budget Shortfall

The organization reported a severe financial crisis following the Taliban's takeover in Afghanistan, stating that 12.4 million people in the country are facing severe food insecurity.

The WFP emphasized that it is currently able to support only one million hungry people in Afghanistan, while it cannot provide emergency food assistance to another 11 million people due to the budget shortfall.

The report also highlighted the exacerbation of the humanitarian crisis due to climate crises and the return of thousands of migrants. It noted that these events have intensified the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan.

The WFP stated that the climate crisis has worsened economic challenges for communities across the country, and irregular weather conditions have become a norm in Afghanistan. It mentioned that heavy rains in the spring of 2024 led to sudden floods across the country, destroying villages and wiping out the livelihoods of some of the most vulnerable communities.

The report also referred to last year's earthquakes and the return of migrants from Pakistan, stating that these issues have further aggravated the humanitarian crisis in the country.

The WFP announced that to sustain all its programs until December 2024, including providing ready-to-eat food for the upcoming winter, it needs $617 million USD.

This concern from the WFP comes after the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs also reported a budget shortfall, stating that 23.7 million people in Afghanistan are in need of humanitarian assistance.