Severe weather in Afghanistan has killed at least 17 people and injured 26 others in the past 24 hours, officials said on Sunday. Flooding, landslides, and thunderstorms affected many parts of the country.
The National Disaster Management Authority said the number of deaths could rise as teams continue to check damaged areas. Thirteen out of 34 provinces, mainly in the west, central, and northwest regions, were affected.
According to spokesman Yousuf Hammad, the bad weather destroyed or damaged 147 homes. Around 80 kilometers of roads were washed away. Farmland, irrigation canals, and some businesses were also badly hit. In total, about 530 families have been affected.
More heavy rain is expected in eastern and central areas on Monday. Officials warned that more flooding could happen and advised people to stay away from rivers and flood-risk areas. Local authorities have been told to stay ready to help.
Earlier this year, heavy snow and flash floods also killed dozens of people across the country. Afghanistan often faces extreme weather, including sudden floods caused by heavy rain and snow.
In 2024, more than 300 people died due to spring floods. Experts say the situation is made worse by years of conflict, weak infrastructure, poverty, and climate change. Many people live in mud houses, which cannot protect them well from floods or heavy snow.
This disaster adds to wider challenges facing the country. A recent report by The Afghan Times said that years of war, economic pressure from sanctions, and climate change are also causing serious mental health problems for many Afghans, especially young people struggling with unemployment and hardship.
