U.S. Forces support Afghan-led disaster relief

The Afghan National Defense and Security Forces distributed supplies to Afghan citizens hardest hit from Wednesday’s avalanche in Panjsher Province, with support from U.S. Forces on Friday.

The worst affected districts in the province include Darah, Bazarak, Khinj and Parian. The ANDSF were quick to respond and coordinate rescue and relief efforts in the area.

U.S. Soldiers and Marines, along with Czech Republic and Georgian Soldiers from Task Force Solid, delivered stoves, clothing, blankets, and other supplies to the ANDSF, who then delivered the items to those in need in Panjsher Province.

“This type of natural disaster is not unheard of at this time of year, so our Afghan partners were prepared, and have been working around the clock since the avalanche hit to provide relief to those affected,” said Lt. Col. Zachary Miller, Task Force Solid commander. “We delivered some relief items to them today and stand ready to support further if requested.”

According to United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, at least 235 people have lost their lives due to avalanches in Afghanistan this week.

Majority of the people have died in the hard-hit areas of northern Panjshir and Parwan provinces of Afghanistan which is about 100 milie north of capital Kabul.

Mohammad Aslam Syas, deputy chief of the Afghanistan National Disaster Management Authority, said 186 people have been confirmed dead alone in the hard-hit Panjshir Province.

At least 21 provinces of Afghanistan have been affected by severe weather and more than 1,000 houses are destroyed and damaged.