New statistics by the State Ministry for Disaster Management indicate that at least 78 people have died from extreme cold exposure across the country over the past nine days.

“The ministry in collaboration with other governmental institutions has provided food and cash aid to at least one mill people,” said Shafiullah Rahimi, a spokesman for the ministry.

A number of vulnerable families said the drop in temperature has created many problems for them. 

Shila, a Kabul resident and mother of 10 children, said she could not afford to buy firewood for winter to heat their homes,

“We even don’t have a heater in our home,” said Shila.

“We just have one blanket and all of us sleep under it,” said Ahmad, a member of a vulnerable family in Kabul.

The Meteorology Department said the temperature this year has fallen unprecedentedly. The temperature in Ghor province in the west of Afghanistan is 34 degrees below zero, which is the coldest area in the country.

“The cold wave has affected the whole country and will continue until next week,” said Mohammad Jumma Nawroz, head of the department.

A number of Kabul residents said the government and aid organizations should provide support to them during this winter.

“We call on Islamic Emirate to help the needy people this winter,” said Ramin, a Kabul resident.

“I don’t have any income source. I need support from the government. How would I have an income if I don’t have some support?” said Ghulam Nabi, a Kabul resident.

Severe cold and snowstorms in many provinces have led to the closure of many key highways, disrupting the delivery of aid to needy people.