The World Food Organization is planning to provide food products and cash to around five million people within the next five months in the northern provinces of Afghanistan, organization officials said on Wednesday.  

According to a local official of the organization, over 60 percent of the people in the northern provinces are living below the poverty line and the number may surge in the coming two months.

“Around 60 percent of the people in the north are currently struggling with hunger, and the number will increase within the next two months,” said Najibullah Rahmani, WFP’s director for the northern provinces.  

The organization called for further humanitarian assistance, saying the number of poor and destitute people will increase as the winter approaches.

On Tuesday, dozens of poor and destitute people received donations from the WFP.

According to WFP officials, the process will continue in the coming days as well.  

Unemployment, drought, decades-long war and economic challenges are the main factors affecting the people across the country.

“Joblessness and poverty harmed people, otherwise, thankfully, there is peace aدd calmness,” said Maluddin. a resident of Balkh.

Balkh resident Khadija said, “I am a widow. I don’t have anyone in the family to work. I have a son but he is sick.”  

The WFP wants the international community to send humanitarian aid to Afghanistan to avert a possible humanitarian catastrophe in the north of Afghanistan.