3 Million Facing Hunger in Afghanistan

Posted November 18th, 2011 at 8:20 am (UTC-5)
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A group of aid agencies has warned that three million people in Afghanistan are facing hunger this winter.

The organizations, including Oxfam and Save the Children, said Friday a drought earlier year has left communities with very little food.

The agencies said that food prices have soared — causing families to skip meals, borrow money, or migrate. They said schools have closed because children are being put to work.

The U.N. launched an emergency appeal for $142 million in October to help relieve the situation. Reuters news agency says international donors have funded only 7 percent of that amount.

Oxfam's director in Afghanistan said there is little time left to provide communities with the help they need before the harsh winter conditions make areas inaccessible. He said snow is already falling in some areas.