What Australians can do to help thousands of Afghans in crisis after the Taliban’s takeover

The world has watched from afar as distressing scenes play out in Afghanistan following the aggressive takeover of the Taliban.

Distressing scenes from Afghanistan have commanded global attention following the Taliban takeover, with horrific photos and videos showing Afghans desperately trying to flee.

The Taliban reached Kabul on Sunday morning after the militant Islamic group quickly took hold of the final government-controlled provinces last week.

Thousands of Afghans on Monday swarmed Kabul airport as the Taliban surrounded the capital, with viral footage showing hundreds crammed into a US military plane.

While those watching the disaster unfold from afar may feel powerless, there are several ways Australians can help virtually.

RELATED: Secret Australian evacuation mission in Afghanistan underway

People climb the border of the airport in a desperate bid to flee. Picture: STR/NurPhoto via Getty Images

How to help people in Afghanistan

Several agencies are providing emergency aid on the ground in Afghanistan, working to support displaced families and provide essential items like clothing and food.

– CARE Australia

CARE is planning to support displaced people in Afghanistan and provide each household $250 so they can afford food, shelter, and protection.

Money raised will help affected people with immediate relief and with long-term help with protection, education and help.

People wanting to donate to CARE can do so here.

People struggle to cross the boundary wall of Hamid Karzai International Airport to flee the country. Picture: STR/NurPhoto via Getty Images

– Afghanaid

Afghanaid is working alongside locals and helping to keep them safe while providing them with emergency support including cooking tools, items to keep them warm, food, and hygiene products.

People who donate can contribute specific amounts for packages with blankets, kitchen kits, or emergency shelter.

People wanting to donate to Afghanaid can do so here.

Thank you for the overwhelming love and support we’ve received in the past 48 hours. Many of you are deeply concerned and have asked us what we are doing to help our colleagues get out of #Afghanistan. 1/5 pic.twitter.com/Og6XJrAJ2k

— Women for Women Intl (@WomenforWomen) August 17, 2021

– Women for Women International

The non-profit charity is working to secure visas for those wanting to flee Afghanistan, and is campaigning with government agencies to allow women to be given resettlement packages.

Its programs, which provide money, mental health counselling, training, and business support for women in Afghanistan, have been paused while staff seek to remain safe during the crisis.

People wanting to donate to Women for Women International can do so here.

– United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)

The UN Refugee Agency is providing Afghans with emergency shelter, food, water, and health care in the unfolding disaster.

Supplies are currently running dangerously low, with donations now more important than ever.

Donations help the charity save families who were forced to flee, and provide refugees with ongoing relief and protection.

People wanting to donate to UNHCR can do so here.

"The world is following events in #Afghanistan with a heavy heart and deep disquiet about what lies ahead.

All of us have seen the images in real time.

Chaos. Unrest. Uncertainty. And fear." @antonioguterrespic.twitter.com/IcXbeBlgvR

— Australia for UNHCR (@UNrefugees) August 18, 2021

– International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)

The ICRC has launched a fresh appeal to help people battling for their lives in the current Afghanistan disaster.

Funds raised in the appeal supports families by providing them with the basic tools they need to survive, including medical care.

The charity remains on the ground, providing urgent help to desperate Afghans.

People wanting to donate to ICRC can do so here.

– Save the Children

Save the children has stalled long-running programs until it is safe to resume them, and in the meantime is calling for donations to help more than 75,000 children who have had to flee their homes.

The organisation provides essential items to families including blankets, clothing and kitchen supplies.

People wanting to donate to Save the Children can do so here.

– Campaign to local MPs

People not in a position to offer financial support can help by writing to their local MPs and calling on the government to welcome refugees.

They can also express support for providing help to those already in Australia as a result of fleeing crisis overseas.

Australians can search for their local members here.