Kabul: In the midst of the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the war-torn country, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) said it has continued to provide food and other essential aid to vulnerable Afghans ahead of the winter season.

The announcement by the UN migration agency came after IOM Director General Antonio Manuel de Carvalho Ferreira Vitorino's two-day visit to Afghanistan, during which he expressed concern about a humanitarian disaster in the country if it is not prevented, according to reports.

"Afghanistan has been pushed to the brink of collapse by conflict and insecurity, grinding poverty exacerbated by an economy in freefall, severe drought, and the Covid-19 pandemic. However, I am very concerned about the future "This is what Vitorino was quoted as saying. "There is a real risk that the deteriorating humanitarian situation will result in increased displacement, vulnerability, and suffering, and that the modest social and development gains of the past two decades will be lost," he said as the cold winter approaches.

"As UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has stated, we are in a race against time to assist these people in preparing for winter. We're going door to door to see what's needed and providing shelter, blankets, warm clothing, and money for fuel and heating "he stated.

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