Afghanistan: famine just around the corner?

The situation in Afghanistan continues to deteriorate, with a reported half million people displaced inside the country because of conflict, drought and hunger. There are now real fears that famine may be just around the corner. As a result, UNHCR is facing an increasingly complex and difficult situation in Pakistan. There are now 52,000 new arrivals receiving full assistance in Shamshatoo camp, after being moved from Jalozai - where new arrivals have been gathering. Jalozai, which was emptied only 18 days ago, now has another 72,000 people living in abject conditions. WFP is giving food assistance to a further 10,000 people in Akora Khattack. In Jalozai, UNHCR is trying to separate vulnerable new arrivals - currently around 60-70 percent - from others seeking assistance. Once identified, vulnerable individuals are moved to Shamshatoo, but there is only space for about 8,000 more people. Other sites are proving very hard to find.