Emergency Assistance to the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan for the Flood Disaster

November 20, 2006

On November 20 (Mon), the Government of Japan decided to provide emergency assistance (tents, blankets, sleeping mats and plastic sheets) worth about 20 million yen to the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan for its flood disaster.
As a result of heavy rain in the southern and western parts of Afghanistan, flooding occurred from November 16 in the plains of Murgahb and Ghormach of Badghis province in the west, where many nomads live. According to a report, as of November 19 (local time), 55 people were dead, about 100 missing, about 50,000 people in need of shelter, 3,500 houses destroyed, and about 500,000 head of cattle lost. In consequence, the United Nations and Mr. Habibulla Murghabi, Head of the Government-Appointed Disaster Committee, have each requested emergency aid from the international community on November 18 and 19 respectively.
The Government of Japan has decided to provide this emergency aid for the victims of the disaster from a humanitarian point of view and taking account of the friendly relations between Japan and Afghanistan.

(END)