The government of the United Kingdom pledged a fresh aid package of £170 million to Afghanistan.

UK’s International Development Secretary Rory Stewart announced the fresh aid package following his meeting with President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani.

The funds will be spent over the span of five years to provide urgent aid to flood and drought affected people by providing food, water and medicines.

Following his meeting with President Ghani, Stewart said “The humanitarian need in Afghanistan is severe.”

The Afghan Red Crescent Society, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies had earlier warned that 10 million people face severe food insecurity and require urgent help.

This comes as devastating flash floods hit certain parts of the country followed by severe drought.