Field Update from Afghanistan Region

Mercy Corps International
Monday, 15 October 2001

Mercy Corps continues to operate in both Taliban-controlled and Northern Alliance-controlled areas of Afghanistan. Mercy Corps staff in Taliban-controlled areas report that the agency's network of healthcare services in the Helmand province remains operational and the facilities are receiving patients. Mercy Corps' seed distribution program in the Kandahar and Helmand provinces also continues to operate. The agency's Lashkargah office remains open, staffed by local employees. Mercy Corps is prepared to rapidly expand activities in southern Afghanistan when the security situation permits.

Mercy Corps is fully operational in Northeastern Afghanistan, reaching increasing numbers of displaced people with relief aid. Mercy Corps is opening an emergency aid office in the Panjsher Valley to assist the growing numbers of displaced people fleeing Kabul.

For more information, or to contact Mercy Corps International, see their website at: www.mercycorps.org