Afghanistan: Penny Appeal’s Winter Response

Afghanistan, a nation already grappling with numerous challenges like war and an ongoing political unrest, now finds itself amidst unprecedented winter conditions. With subzero temperatures and prolonged heavy snowfall, winter months bring new difficulties for the 3.5 million+ who are currently displaced. Remote, mountainous communities often find themselves cut off from basic necessities for months at a time, forced to navigate the chilling reality of winter in Afghanistan. 

Early 2023 saw the coldest temperatures on record in over a decade in northern regions of Afghanistan. The war-torn landscapes saw temperatures drop to a deadly -33°C, claiming the lives of hundreds of people along with over 70,000 livestock. Afghanistan is no stranger to such deadly temperatures, but this was before a series of fatal earthquakes destroyed tens of thousands of homes. The devastation caused by this calamity was immense, and the plight of affected communities continues.  

As soon as news spread of the devastating earthquakes, our teams were mobilised immediately. We’re pleased to report that so far, thanks to the generosity shown by you, our donors, we have provided 387 families (1,624 individuals) with essential items. Alhamdulillah! This includes cookers, kettles, crockery, hygiene items, gas cylinders as well as food items and cooking oil.  

The resilience shown by the Afghan people has been inspiring and the generosity of our donors has and is playing an instrumental part in helping them rebuild their lives. For Penny Appeal, focus still heavily remains on emergency response for our brothers and sisters in Afghanistan, but efforts are also underway to create sustainable livelihoods for the communities that have been severely affected. This is a critical period, as winter presents a new set of challenges.  

Adequate shelter, heating and medical care remain urgently needed, that’s why we’re appealing to you to dig deep this winter to help us provide relief, warmth and comfort to families who are suffering in unimaginable ways across Afghanistan and the wider world. As the nation navigates the aftermath of this year’s deadly earthquakes with the additional burden of cold weather, your support will be a lifeline for those in need. If we can offer the vital resources and support needed by communities in Afghanistan, we can save lives for years to come. At a time where it feels like the world has forgotten about Afghanistan, we’re here to remind everyone that their struggle will never be overlooked. 

This year, with your help, we can distribute blankets, warm clothing and emergency tents and shelters to protect vulnerable families. We can deliver food packs to alleviate hunger and malnutrition and ensure children have the right foods to keep them healthy and warm through the winter months.  

“So, surely with hardship comes ease. So, surely with that hardship comes more ease. So, once you have fulfilled your duty, strive in devotion, turning to your Lord alone with hope.” 

Qur’an 94: 5-8 

To take a deeper look into our response so far in Afghanistan, and our plans to continue supporting the vulnerable communities there, take a look at our Afghanistan Emergency Feedback Report.