The local Afghan refugee commissioner in Peshawar, Pakistan, has advised the Adventist Development and Relief Agency International (ADRA) that water and tents will be critical needs as people continue to flee the armed conflict in Afghanistan.

Two and a half million Afghans have already fled to an area near Peshawar, a town near the Afghan border. As conflict continues, this number is expected to rise. Local authorities anticipate establishing another 100 refugee camps.

“We will continue to work closely with local authorities as we respond to this horrific crisis,” says Frank Teeuwen, bureau chief for Disaster Preparedness and Response for ADRA International.

Four years of drought has brought 7.5 million people in Afghanistan to the brink of starvation, according to the United Nations. The country has the world’s lowest per-person caloric intake and highest maternal mortality rate in the world. It is estimated that nearly one-quarter of children in Afghanistan will die before they reach their fifth birthday.

Last week, ADRA sent its rapid assessment team to Tajikistan to prepare for increases in the movement of refugees from Afghanistan into the Central Asian republics.

“Preparedness is a critical part of disaster response,” says Mario Ochoa, executive vice president of ADRA International. “With winter setting in throughout the mountains of Central Asia, the toll will be horrendous for the unprepared.”

Tajikistan is a mountainous country in Central Asia. The worst drought in 50 years brought the nation to the brink of famine late last year. Mountain winter temperatures are often as low as 50 degrees below zero Fahrenheit (minus 45 degrees Centigrade) and heavy snow closes mountain passes five months of the year.

ADRA International has established a “9-11 Fund” in recognition of those whose lives were impacted by the suicide attacks of September 11. Go to www.adra.org for updates and donation information.