Attachments
- KHOST & PAKTIKA UPDATE
As the displacement in Khost and Paktika continues, a winterization strategy is required to ensure refugee families are able to safely and effectively prepare for colder temperatures. Through discussion with host communities, the temperature in Khost rarely falls below 4 degrees Celsius, however last year communities did have snow and the temperature dropped to between -1 and 2 Celsius. Some districts, for example Spera, are more mountainous and could face colder temperatures. Thus, varying degrees of winter assistance is required.
Requirements include adequate clothing, especially for children, safe heating solutions as well as winterizing existing shelter, for refugees living in both the camp and host communities. As of now UNHCR, the Shelter Cluster and partners are looking at options including ‘digging in’, which would involve digging down to as far as 100 cm depth and using the soil to insulate around the tents. In other communities, winterization efforts will include wind and water-proofing tents to some extent through the use of plastic sheeting with a Sandari or Buhari to provide heat and cooking facilities, while ensuring proper ventilation. All organizations and agencies with possible available stock, planned procurement and/or reserve funds for winterization efforts will help determine minimum quality of items, and areas of responsibility.