World Food Programme Fighting Hunger Worldwide

In late April 2013, several houses were damaged or destroyed, and hundreds of acres of farmland were ruined by floods in the Sholgarah district of northern Balkh province.

Hundreds of households were affected by floods, amongst them the family of Haji Mohamamd Ayoub 58. “The flood completely destroyed our houses and inundated our farmland. We lost every thing,” he said.

More than 165 metric tons of food, including wheat, vegetable oil, pulses, salt and high energy biscuits, was allocated by WFP to be distributed to the flood-affected families.

Ghulam Sakhi, 40, had a small workshop in the district centre, where he used to repair punctured car tires. The shop and its equipment were washed away by the floods. He has no job at this moment. “If we were not given this food we would be in very critical situation,” Sakhi said.

WFP distributed a three-month food ration to more than 800 flood-affected families, while other humanitarian agencies distributed other assistance including tarpaulins, kitchen sets and blankets. 

WFP food assistance is distributed only after a proper verification of vulnerability.

WFP’s Mazar Area Office was among the first to respond to the impact of the flooding. The office was sent a letter of appreciation by the district governor for being quick and transparent in its response.

Local communities affected by the flooding are seeking help from the humanitarian community to help them find a longer-term solution to the problems caused by this kind of natural disaster. With the collaboration of other partners, WFP is looking at options for a food-for-assets project in the area which would help protect the community from future flooding.