BROMLEY-based charities are at the centre of a massive push to get food and medical aid to the starving population of Afghanistan.

The widespread effort to help the seven million people currently fleeing the country has led to a prompt response from a range of charities.

The latest military strikes on the country have triggered a humanitarian crisis with food and medical supplies in short supply for the fleeing masses.

Bromley Christian Aid has launched an appeal to people in the borough to what the charity describes as "the overwhelming scale of humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan".

It is currently dispatching teams to Iran, Pakistan, Turkmenistan and Tajikstan to help co-ordinate the relief effort.

On behalf of the charity, Bromley Methodist Church raised hundreds of pounds after staging a Can't Cook Won't Cook show based on the BBC hit series.

Bromley spokesperson for the charity, Katie Hagley, said: "More than a million ordinary people are leaving their homes in Afghanistan and fleeing to neighbouring countries because of the threat of conflict.

"However, millions more face starvation over the next two months. It is vital we respond to their needs before the harsh central Asian winter begins to bite."

The Bromley and Beckenham branch of the United Nations Association (UK) is playing its part by raising money in a bid to feed some of the children in Afghanistan affected by military action.

Chairman of the branch Eliane Chorley said: "We are running a campaign through the World Food Programme and Unicef.

"As with all military strikes, there are innocent victims who suffer and our aim is to help these people.

"We are targeting children as these are the future of any generation and we want to ensure they are well fed. We will be delivering food parcels to the most needy areas across the country."

Bromley's three Oxfam shops are at the forefront of an appeal for donations in the wake of the tragedy.

Funds raised will be used to ensure food gets into Afghanistan and will buy water and sanitation equipment.

Another Bromley charity lending its weight to the relief effort is Aid to Russia and the Republics, which will be distributing food to refugees who cross the borders into Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.

October 15, 2001 9:38

Matt Bamsey