Heavy rain and storms across Afghanistan over the past 10 days have triggered widespread flooding, landslides, and dangerous lightning. This has claimed a rising toll and disrupted daily life in one of the world’s most climate-vulnerable states.
The Disaster Management Authority reports 77 people killed and 137 injured. More rainfall forecasts have prompted urgent warnings to stay away from riverbanks and flood-prone areas as communities mobilize to respond to this severe weather event.
Impact on lives, livelihoods, and infrastructure
The latest floods are testing the resilience of households, farmers, and local authorities as they confront not only immediate danger but also long-term disruption to essential services and transportation networks.
The scale of damage highlights the region’s exposure to extreme precipitation and the fragility of infrastructure in the face of such events.
Human toll and displacement
- 77 people killed and 137 injured
- An additional 26 deaths reported in the last 48 hours alone
- More than 5,800 families affected by floods and landslides
- 793 homes destroyed and 2,673 damaged across affected districts
The human impact extends beyond immediate casualties. Many families have lost their shelters and savings.
Agricultural land and local livelihoods suffer as soils erode and irrigation systems fail.
These floods intensify poverty and displacement in the days ahead.
Infrastructure and transportation damage
- 337 kilometers (about 210 miles) of roads destroyed or severely damaged
- Key highways linking Kabul to provinces breached by floods, landslides, and rockfalls
- The Kabul–Jalalabad highway closed due to landslides, rockfalls, and flooding; authorities are working to reopen it
- Salang Pass shut, cutting Kabul from northern cities such as Kunduz and Mazar-e-Sharif
Transport disruptions impede relief delivery and block trade routes. Travelers are forced onto lengthy detours.
The Public Works Ministry, represented by spokesman Ashraf Haqshinas, notes that recovery crews are actively clearing debris and assessing structural stability to restore connectivity as quickly as possible.
Authorities warn travelers to exercise caution on affected roads.
Response, risk awareness, and safety guidance
Authorities are urging communities to stay vigilant as weather forecasts project continued rainfall.
The combination of heavy precipitation and flash floods underscores the need for rapid response and robust early warning systems.
Resilient infrastructure is needed to withstand future events.
The following actions and expectations are shaping the current response:
What authorities are doing
- Disaster Management Authority warns that more rain is forecast and underscores the risk of renewed flooding
- Emergency crews and engineers are prioritizing debris clearance, road stabilization, and temporary detours
- Public Works Ministry is coordinating with provincial authorities to reopen critical routes and maintain safe travel corridors
The focus remains on saving lives, sheltering displaced families, and restoring essential access to healthcare, markets, and water.
Safety steps for residents and travelers
- Avoid riverbanks and flood-prone zones, particularly during ongoing rainfall.
- Follow official updates on road conditions.
- Avoid nonessential travel in severely affected areas.
- Respect detours and observe earthquake and flood risk advisories.
- Landslides and rockfalls can recur with another downpour.
- Support local relief efforts where possible.
- Prepare emergency supplies if you live in at-risk communities.
Here is the source article for this story: Extreme weather over past 10 days leaves 77 dead in Afghanistan