For the population of the northern provinces of Afghanistan the situation remains worse, says Welthungerhilfe. For weeks, people in the region have been suffering an unusually long period of severe cold weather. The Afghan authorities responsible for disaster relief have already counted 503 deaths - above all children and old people - from the cold. "The real figure is likely to be far higher, because there is no register of deaths and many areas are still cut off," says Uwe Hermann, Welthungerhilfe's project manager in Jawzjan province.

Welthungerhilfe has so far supplied around 25,000 of the worst-affected people with blankets, boots, socks, cooking oil, sugar and flour. Another 25,000, at least, will also receive emergency aid packages over the next few days. "This has, in any case, always been a region of indescribable poverty," explains Hermann, who is running part of the distribution operation. "Because the winter has continued for so long, people's reserves have run out. They have nothing left to eat and nothing for their animals. With heating material used up, they are emaciated and freezing."

Uwe Hermann has even heard about a number of suicides among heads of families. "Their desperation at not being able to look after their families seems to be pushing them over the edge." However, the project manager has also seen some admirable solidarity among the people: "Families who still have the chance to heat are letting their neighbours' children in to warm up." He also notes that the new infrastructure of wells, roads and other facilities created as part of the national solidarity programme is having a positive impact. "But when you see barefooted children huddling in a corner, it breaks your heart. We hope to be in position to help many more people as soon as possible."

Uwe Hermann is available for interviews on request.