International Federation launches appeal

The International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies has launched an appeal for 40 million Swiss francs (US $24.5 million) towards pre-positioning more supplies in Iran, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Pakistan.

"We have very strong Red Crescent Societies in each of those countries, and we want to make sure we have extra supplies so they can provide a good response if they need to," Bob McKerrow, head of the Federation's regional delegation for South Asia, told IRIN on Thursday.

He added that they were planning to assist up to 300,000 refugees with a view to increasing this figure to 500,000. The UN estimates that, in a worst-case scenario, 1.5 million Afghans could pour out into neighbouring countries in fear of US retaliatory strikes for the 11 September attacks. McKerrow said the Federation was also pre-positioning supplies in the UAE as a backup. "We have a major logistical pipeline in Abu Dhabi," he said.

The additional assistance sought in the appeal was to go towards tents, blankets, clothing, water sanitation and cash to be used for supplies that can be bought locally, such as firewood, he said. McKerrow added that some 50 percent of the money would be spent on pre-positioning supplies in Pakistan, and the rest would be distributed to Iran and the Central Asian countries.

Asked about the extent of the willingness of countries neighbouring Afghanistan to help refugees, he said the Iranian government had stated it would help them, but only on the border, and that the Red Crescent was ready to assist in that area.

He added that Tajikistan would be the logical destination for refugees fleeing northeastern Afghanistan, but expressed uncertainty over what the response from Uzbekistan might be.

"Uzbekistan is still the unknown [quantity], we don't have a clear picture from there," he said. Pakistan, Iran and the Central Asian countries have closed their borders with Afghanistan in fear of a huge influx of refugees.

The Federation is flying supplies into Pakistan every day for next six days, and is building up a network of local volunteers in preparation for any eventuality. "We have already been calling for volunteers and for blood donations," McKerrow said.