WFP Warns urgent and critical needs amid influx of returnees and drought in Afghanistan

Kokcha News Agency: The World Food Programme (WFP) has released its Situation Report for June 2025, highlighting the critical humanitarian situation in Afghanistan.

During the month, WFP reached 1.8 million people with food and cash assistance, including US$1.4 million distributed to 200,000 individuals through cash-based transfers.

Women and children make up 80% of WFP’s assistance recipients, reflecting the dire needs of vulnerable populations.

1. Mass Returnees from Iran: Afghanistan is experiencing a significant influx of returnees from Iran, with daily arrivals averaging over 19,000 and peaking at 25,900.
2. These returnees, many of whom are in urgent need of assistance, are placing additional strain on already fragile communities.
3. WFP warns that without further funding, returnee assistance will diminish and cease within weeks.
4. Emergency Response: In June, WFP assisted 268 households affected by flooding in Badakhshan, Takhar, and Baghlan provinces. Additionally, WFP supported 76 out of 125 households displaced by cross-border conflict in Kunar’s Nari district.
5. Rising Malnutrition: Admissions of malnourished children and women into health centers are increasing as general food assistance cuts take effect.
6. WFP is operating far below the minimum threshold required to meet the needs of the population. A severe drought has been declared in the northern regions, exacerbating food insecurity.
7. Winter Risks: The combination of drought, returnee pressures, and food shortages is driving up humanitarian needs. High excess mortality during the winter months is a critical risk, particularly for vulnerable populations.

WFP’s report underscores the urgent need for increased funding and resources to address the growing humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan. Without immediate action, the situation is likely to worsen, particularly as the country faces the dual challenges of drought and mass returnees.