PRT assists local government with humanitarian aid

NANGARHAR PROVINCE, Afghanistan - The Nangarhar Provincial Reconstruction Team assisted with the delivery of emergency humanitarian assistance and supplies to flood victims in the Heserak and Beshood districts of Nangarhar Province June 27 and July 7.

The request for PRT assistance came from the line director of disaster relief and the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.

“Our team was happy to assist with this endeavour,” said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Brent Grometer of Los Altos, Calif., Nangarhar PRT commander. “All of the appropriate measures were taken, and we were cleared to go in and support these crises. It was a great opportunity to train and assist our Afghan government counterparts.” 

The PRT coordinated with local government officials for the delivery of 3,000 kg of rice, 2,800 kg of flour, 3,000 kg of sugar, 290 kg of Chai tea and 2,720 kg of beans to the Heserak and Beshood Districts. Local officials supervised the delivery and distribution of the aid to the affected families.

The benefit of participating in these missions is not only the positive impact local government officials had on these families, but also the ability to test and improve coordination efforts between Government Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, the UN, the PRT and other non-government agencies, said U.S. Army Capt. Glenn Battschinger of Maye Landing, N.J., Nangarhar  PRT civil affairs.