Afghanistan has been hit by a devastating wave of flash floods following the season’s first heavy rains and snowfall. While the precipitation ended a prolonged dry spell, it quickly turned deadly, claiming at least 17 lives and injuring 11 others. Among the tragic fatalities were five members of one family, including two children, whose roof collapsed in Herat province.
The severe weather, which largely struck since Monday, has caused widespread disruption across central, northern, southern, and western regions. Beyond the immediate casualties, the floods have damaged vital infrastructure, killed precious livestock, and severely impacted 1,800 families. These new challenges further worsen conditions for already vulnerable communities, both in cities and remote rural areas.
Afghanistan, much like its neighbors Pakistan and India, is particularly susceptible to extreme weather events. Decades of conflict, combined with inadequate infrastructure, deforestation, and the accelerating effects of climate change, amplify the impact of such natural disasters. Many homes, especially in remote regions, are constructed from mud, offering little defense against sudden, powerful deluges.
Assessment teams are currently on the ground, surveying the damage to determine the full extent of needs. The United Nations and other aid agencies have highlighted that Afghanistan is projected to remain one of the world’s largest humanitarian crises for years to come. This week, a $1.7 billion appeal was launched to assist nearly 18 million people in urgent need across the country. The path to recovery will be long, and international support remains crucial.
