The United Nations has warned that six million Afghans are at risk of famine as the country continues to face extreme hardship and uncertainty under the Taliban leadership.

UN humanitarian chief, Martin Griffiths, made the remarks late on Monday at a UN Security Council meeting on the humanitarian situation in Afghanistan.

“Poverty is deepening, the population is still growing, and the de facto authorities have no budget to invest in their own future,” Mr Griffiths said.

Mr Griffiths said more than half of the country’s population needed humanitarian assistance.

The country’s situation has further deteriorated with the Taliban’s return to power in August 2021.

Unemployment and extreme poverty had forced tens of thousands of Afghans to flee their country.

In addition, a devastating earthquake and flash floods have compounded the situation.

The international community is pumping roughly $40 million into the country’s economy weekly. But there were complaints that the Taliban was allocating most of the money to its supporters.

He said the UN urgently needed $600 million to support preparation for winter, such as upgrades and repairs to shelter, warm cloths, and blankets, and an additional $154 million for food and livelihood assistance. 

(dpa/NAN)