Relief Distribution in Aybak, Afghanistan

By Huang Hsi-hsien

AYBAK, Afghanistan-Volunteers return to Aybak with more relief supplies.

The weather today was excellent. There was no new snow, but the ground already had an ivory white cover. Still, we were able to do our work. This morning we packed sugar and tea for 151 refugee households living in the ruined buildings of Aybak. Each family received 50 kilograms of rice, 10 kilograms of sugar, 1 kilogram of tea, and 2 blankets. The refugees were very happy to see us return to help them out.

All the volunteers, including the film crew, pitched in to distribute supplies to the children, women, and old people. Even Dr. Artis of Knightsbridge International, who is not young himself, helped. He carried supplies up a narrow, flimsy staircase to refugees on the third floor.

A few days ago these refugees were full of gloom, since they possessed nothing more than tattered blankets, but now they have rice, tea, and sugar. We were relieved to see many children coming to claim relief supplies, their faces bright with laughter. The people kept repeating to us "Teshaku (thank you)," and their smiles will be forever etched in our memories. They also asked if we could give them more blankets, because in this battered building there was no protection from the frigid wind. I talked with Dr. Artis to see if we could bring them more blankets, for we were their only hope.

Our cars frequently got stuck in the muddy roads. Fortunately, many Afghans helped us out, and the relief distribution was successful.

We also visited another refugee area, where 150 families camped in old run-down buildings and torn tents. Although the area was very scenic with ivory snow caps covering the mountains, the plight of the refugees living here caused our hearts to ache.