Afghanistan
2022-09 Factsheet - Afghanistan
Highlights
Previous Conflict, natural disasters, and the erosion of communities’ resilience after over 40 years of war have combined to create dire shelter and NFI needs in Afghanistan that have only been compounded by economic shocks, natural disasters, and drought. The situation has been particularly challenging for people living in poverty, recently displaced, those that rely on insecure employment in the informal sector, those in underserved locations and those residing in informal settlements.
Afghanistan has experienced natural disasters beyond the usual annual trend in 2022 that put more people in need of emergency shelter and NFI assistance.
- Earthquakes: There were 3 major incidents of earthquakes in 2022 that caused loss of lives and damage to houses and property i.e., Badghis Province in January, Southeast Region in June, and Kunar Province in September. The 22 June, a 5.9 magnitude earthquake struck southeastern Afghanistan, leading to destruction of more than 14,800 houses across already vulnerable districts in Paktika and Khost provinces. In addition to loss of life and devastating injury, the earthquake has resulted in the destruction of critical infrastructure leaving thousands vulnerable to further harm.
- Flooding: Unprecedented flooding occurred between the months of July and September affecting 21 provinces across the country.
NFI
Shelter
Coverage against targets
Need analysis
The Whole of Afghanistan Assessment (WoAA) 2022, shows that Shelter needs still remain acute with a staggering 79% of all households in need of shelter repair; while 79% of households are using inadequate heating sources for winter; and some 62% require basic household items. The recent earthquakes in Kunar, Khost and Paktika Provinces has also caused urgent shelters, NFIs and Winterization needs for more than 100,000 people.
Shelter repairs/Upgrade: The improved security situation resulted in those people who were displaced primarily by conflict to be willing to return, this has however put strain on places of origin due to shelter damage and insufficient services. Many of those returning come back to communities devastated by conflict and chronic vulnerability. Loss of remittances, loss of livelihood opportunities in places of origin and loss of family support networks all add to returnees’ vulnerability. Considering the high cost of shelter repairs, and the already negative net income of households, reconstruction comes at a high cost that may not be affordable for most. Most Afghan household must make choices between meeting basic needs and repairing their shelters and are unable to sustain any major shock that severely damaged or destroyed their shelter.
In the Earthquake affected Southeast Region, Khost and Paktika provinces, 14,800 homes have so far been assessed as damaged or destroyed leaving many without adequate. Shelter Cluster partners have provided Emergency shelter and NFI support to most of the households however the need for rebuilding and reconstruction remains high.
Winterization: Each year, freezing winter temperatures, especially in high altitude locations drive the need for provision of life saving winter assistance for most affected persons whose shelters do not protect against the cold and who do not have the financial capability to purchase fuel and heaters to supplement their heating requirements. The lack of warm clothing, insulation, heating heightens the risk of respiratory infections, hypothermia and preventable mortality among children and the elderly are prevalent in these areas. The Whole of Afghanistan Assessment (WoAA) 2022 findings indicate winterization needs were widespread; 79% of households reported reliance on inadequate heating sources and 45% of households reported having no access to sufficient blankets for the forthcoming winter season. Economic decline, price increases, and rising poverty means this need will remain high and the trend of Households requiring assistance to cope with the winter season.
Response
Out of the overall target of 1.9 million people targeted for 2022, 42 Cluster partners in 2022 assisted 1,522,043 people with shelter, NFI and winterization support.
From the total number of people reached:
1. 80,648 people were provided with emergency shelter assistance including rental support,
2. 464,011 people received basic household items (standard NFI packages) and
3. 74,456 people received support to reconstruct or repair their homes.
4. 1,096,405 vulnerable individuals received heating/ fuel, blankets, and clothes to mitigate protection, health and other risks associated with harsh winter conditions.
5. 18,338 people received support to construct transitional and durable shelter
Gaps / challenges
1. Limited funding for shelter, NFIs and winterization responses: Out of $374 m funding requirement for 2022, only $110.6 m (29.5%) has been received. Failure to address these needs would keep hundreds of vulnerable households in inadequate and often overcrowded shelters, with severe implications for their health, protection, socio-economic situation, and personal security - especially for children, the elderly, disabled people, women, and girls. These households also continue to require annual winterization support.
2. Increase in the cost of items, market prices for NFIs, warehouse rents and transportation costs
