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Winter Threatens Afghan Aid
Monday, November 5, 2001

Afghan refugee women and children.
Photo Credit: The Associated Press.

U.N. officials said they would use bulldozers to keep roads open for a few more weeks if possible.

* U.N. Says Snowfalls Will Hamper Aid Efforts In Afghanistan
* Estimated 5.3 Million In Need Of Immediate Humanitarian Aid
* Plans For Airlift Under Way; Aircraft And Personnel On Standby

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan -- CBS
The U.N. World Food Program said Monday it planned to drop food aid in black bags from airplanes in areas of northeastern Afghanistan where it has already begun snowing.

More than three feet of snow has fallen in the Panjsher valley area held by the anti-Taliban Northern Alliance and more is expected in the coming days, WFP spokeswoman, Lindsey Davies, told reporters at a news briefing.

She said the WFP would send as much food to the region as possible by road but also said plans for an airlift were under way, with aircraft and personnel on the standby.

The food will be dropped in black bags to make it more easily visible in snow-covered areas, she said.

"Snowfall is imminent. Getting food in when you're trying to get trucks through those mountain passes is certainly a daunting challenge."
(More: CBSNews.com News Source)
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Dan