The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has provided cash assistance to 888 families affected by recent wars and natural disasters in the central area and six districts of Maidan Wardak province. The IOM distributed these aids under the supervision of the Taliban’s Natural Disaster Management Authority. The cash aids were given to individuals in the central area and the districts of Jalrez, Chaki Wardak, Saydabad, Nirkh, and Day Mirdad in Maidan Wardak province. Eligible recipients of this cash assistance include families affected by armed conflicts between the Taliban and the previous government’s security forces, as confirmed by IOM officials. Furthermore, families who lost their homes and agricultural lands due to last year’s floods have also benefited from this assistance.
Faridullah Rahimi, the Director of the Taliban’s Natural Disaster Management Authority in Maidan Wardak province, informed the media that the distribution of these aids to the families was completed a few days ago in coordination with the International Organization for Migration (IOM). He stated, “These aids have been provided to families affected by the wars and other incidents. We distributed $1,472 for the reconstruction of two rooms, a bathroom, and a kitchen for those whose houses have been completely destroyed. Additionally, we distributed $570 to families whose houses require minor repairs, such as windows, doors, and walls.”
Ahmad Javid Siddiqi, the coordinator of the Humanitarian Assistance Department of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Maidan Wardak province, confirmed the meticulous selection of these families based on thorough assessments. He stated that the distribution of these aids took place in early May this year. Siddiqi further explained, “We have provided assistance to these 888 families residing in the central area and several districts of this province. They are the families whose houses have suffered destruction or damage due to various reasons. With this financial support, they can rebuild their homes and regain a place of shelter.”
However, the recipients of the cash assistance stress that the losses they have endured exceed the monetary support provided. Muzzamel, one of the recent beneficiaries, expresses, “This money only covers our basic needs. If we aim to restore our homes to their previous state, this assistance falls short.”
An anonymous resident of Maidan Wardak province criticizes the Taliban, stating that the group attained power by sacrificing the lives of local people and using their houses as shields. However, they have now abandoned those affected. The resident asserts, “The Taliban is responsible for this situation, yet they now reside in luxurious offices, oblivious to the nation’s plight. They utilized our rooftops and houses as battlegrounds against the previous government’s armed forces. Today, neither the previous government nor the Taliban exists in the region; everyone has gone their separate ways, leaving the people to endure suffering.”
War and natural disasters, two devastating phenomena in Afghanistan, have profoundly impacted the lives of its citizens. Due to the country’s poor economic conditions, those affected by these destructive events are constantly hopeful of receiving humanitarian assistance to sustain their lives and restore normalcy.
After conducting assessments in Maidan Wardak province, the Humanitarian Assistance Department of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) has included 888 families who have endured extensive damage from past wars, insecurity, and natural disasters in their support program. Local sources report that among these families, nearly 500 have lost their homes due to the war, while over 380 families have suffered house losses caused by natural disasters.
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has distributed this cash assistance to the affected families in Maidan Wardak province, where the level of damages caused by recent armed conflicts is significantly higher. In addition to civilian casualties, the Kabul-Kandahar and Maidan Wardak-Bamiyan highways in the vicinity of this province have witnessed the destruction of hundreds of kilometers of roads and dozens of bridges.
Maidan Wardak province, located near the capital Kabul, has experienced a significant presence of the Taliban over the past two decades. This province has been the site of fierce clashes between Taliban militants and the previous government’s security forces, leading to substantial human casualties and financial losses among the local population. In addition to the ongoing war and insecurity, the residents of this province also face the threat of natural disasters, such as devastating floods in mountainous areas, which result in loss of life and destruction of homes, livestock, and agricultural lands.
