Concern grows for Herat refugees

Large areas have been affected by severe drought

By Kate Clark in Kabul

The UN says it is extremely concerned about refugees in the western Afghan city of Herat.

Well over half a million Afghans have left their homes this year - all are fleeing either fighting or hunger after the worst drought in decades.

Some 80,000 have come to the city of Herat alone.

Overnight, the temperature in the area dropped to -25C.

During the day on Tuesday, it had only climbed to -16C.

Most are living in refugee camps where tents and blankets are in short supply, and many tents designed for one family are housing three.

The UN says there is also a worsening food crisis.

It says it only has enough food in Herat for the next month.

Supplies limited

Nationally, the UN's food aid will run out in April unless it gets fresh pledges from donors.

It is also concerned that last year's harvest was so bad many farmers have no seeds for the spring planting.

Many have also had to sell their livestock and tools to buy food.

It has been snowing or raining in much of Afghanistan for last two days.

That makes living conditions even more desperate for the refugees - but psychologically it's a huge relief for a drought weary people.

Even so, much more precipitation is needed.

So far this winter rain and snowfall have been far lower than average.

Afghans fear another bad year is to come.