UNHCR prepares 'massive' relief operation for Afghans

The UN refugee agency is mounting a massive relief operation for a potential outflow of people from Afghanistan, ordering tens of thousands of tents, and deploying additional emergency staff to Pakistan.

By Jennifer Clark

21 September 2001

Kyrgyz and Uzbek men gather at a mosque to share tea, food and hopes for a better future in Suzak, near Jalalabad, southern Kyrgyzstan.

GENEVA, Sept 21 (UNHCR) - The UN refugee agency is mounting a massive relief operation for a potential outflow of people from Afghanistan, ordering tens of thousands of tents, and deploying additional emergency staff to Pakistan.

"We have ordered 20,000 tents valued at $1.4 million from suppliers in Pakistan, in addition to the more than 9,300 tents that we already have stored in-country," said Ron Redmond, UNHCR spokesman.

Over the weekend of September 22-23, a total of 25 additional emergency staff from UNHCR will head to Pakistan, joining more than 150 staff currently on the ground. UNHCR reported that emergency coordinators have already been deployed to the region.

Pakistan already hosts over 2 million refugees from Afghanistan. Another 15,000 have arrived since September 11, and reports from inside Afghanistan indicate more are on the move.