The White House has announced an additional $308 million in humanitarian aid for Afghanistan, offering aid to a country that is approaching a humanitarian crisis after the Taliban seized power.

White House spokeswoman Emily Horne said the new aid from the U.S. Agency for International Development will come through independent humanitarian organizations and will be used to provide shelter, medical care, winter preparation assistance and emergency food aid.

The country's economy, which has endured longstanding problems, has been in a tailspin since the Taliban came to power. Nearly 80 percent of the previous Afghan government's budget came from the international community. This money funded hospitals, schools, factories and government ministries.

USAID called on the Taliban to allow all aid workers, especially women to work independently and safely.

"The United States continues to urge the Taliban to allow unhindered humanitarian access, safe conditions for humanitarians, independent provision of assistance to all vulnerable people, and freedom of movement for aid workers of all genders. We will continue to work to alleviate the suffering of the Afghan people and call on other donors to continue to contribute to this international response. Together, we can deliver critical assistance directly to the people of Afghanistan," the USAID said in a statement.