At least 17 dead as heavy rains trigger flash floods in Afghanistan

"Most of the casualties have occurred since Monday in districts hit by flooding, and the severe weather also disrupted daily life across central, northern, southern, and western regions, according to Mohammad Yousaf Hammad, a spokesman for the Afghanistan National Disaster Management Authority (ANDMA). Hammad said the floods damaged infrastructure, killed livestock, and affected 1,800 families, worsening conditions in already vulnerable urban and rural communities. He added the agency has sent assessment teams to the worst-affected areas, with surveys ongoing to determine further needs."

"Afghanistan, like neighbouring Pakistan and India, is highly vulnerable to extreme weather events, particularly flash floods following seasonal rains. Decades of conflict, poor infrastructure, deforestation and the intensifying effects of climate change have amplified the impact of such disasters, especially in remote areas where many homes are made of mud and offer limited protection. In August, a magnitude 6.0 earthquake hit Afghanistan near its border with Pakistan, killing more than 1,400 people."

Heavy rains and snowfall ended a prolonged dry spell in Afghanistan but triggered flash floods that killed at least 17 people and injured 11. Five members of one family died when a roof collapsed in Kabkan district of Herat, including two children. Most casualties occurred since Monday across central, northern, southern and western regions, disrupting daily life. The floods damaged infrastructure, killed livestock, and affected about 1,800 families, worsening conditions for vulnerable urban and rural communities. Assessment teams have been sent to worst-affected areas. Videos showed vehicles overturning in strong flood currents. Decades of conflict, poor infrastructure, deforestation and climate change amplified the disaster's impact.

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