This blog post summarizes the recent flooding and landslides across Afghanistan. It details the human toll, the scale of damage to homes and infrastructure, and the ongoing response as authorities warn of more heavy rain ahead.
The information reflects a period of heavy storms that began roughly 12 days ago. Nearly all of Afghanistan’s 34 provinces have been affected.
What happened and where
The disaster unfolded over more than a week. Storms and heavy rainfall triggered floods and landslides across the country.
Authorities report that at least 110 people have been killed and 160 injured. 7 others are reported missing and believed swept away.
The impact spans urban centers and rural communities alike. Local response capabilities are strained.
Casualties and damage snapshot
In addition to the loss of life, the disaster has damaged livelihoods and property on a wide scale. The Disaster Management Authority notes that:
- 958 homes were completely destroyed and another 4,155 sustained partial damage.
- More than 325 kilometers (200 miles) of roads have been destroyed.
- Two major highways have been closed, disrupting travel and commerce across provinces.
Infrastructure disruptions
The road network has borne a heavy toll. The Kabul‑to‑Jalalabad highway—the main route to the Pakistani border and eastern provinces—has been shut since last Thursday.
The Jalalabad toward Kunar and Nuristan corridor has been closed since Sunday due to falling rocks. Such closures complicate relief logistics and everyday movement for thousands of residents.
Human impact and daily life
Beyond homes and roads, the floods have damaged agricultural land, irrigation canals, and fresh-water wells. This has affected numerous families and ongoing livelihoods.
Authorities indicate the disaster has touched more than 6,122 families. There is widespread disruption to rural economies and food security.
The Defense Ministry deployed a helicopter to airlift two people to safety in Herat province. This demonstrates the immediacy of rescue needs in waterlogged areas.
With the weather situation still volatile, authorities have warned of more heavy rain across nearly the entire country. Residents have been urged to stay away from rivers and flood-prone zones to reduce risk during this active period of rainfall.
Response, prognosis, and historical context
Afghan disaster response teams are working to assess needs and coordinate assistance. Weather systems continue to threaten newly vulnerable communities.
The immediate focus is on rescue operations where people remain unaccounted for. Efforts are also directed at stabilizing affected households and restoring critical infrastructure where possible.
Afghanistan has a recent history of deadly spring flooding and landslides. In 2024, more than 300 people were killed by flash floods, highlighting the ongoing vulnerability of communities to seasonal rainfall and related hazards.
Building resilience and planning for the future
To reduce the impact of similar events, authorities and development partners emphasize the need for enhanced disaster-risk reduction, climate-informed planning, and rapid response capacities. Key focus areas include:
- Infrastructure resilience—designing roads, bridges, and drainage systems to withstand heavy rainfall and floodwaters.
- Early warning and communication—improving forecasting, dissemination of alerts, and community-level readiness.
- Water management—protecting irrigation canals and wells and ensuring safe access to water during emergencies.
Safety tips and how you can help
Readers seeking to stay safe and support relief efforts can consider the following actions:
- Avoid rivers and flood-prone areas during heavy rain and follow guidance from local authorities.
- Follow official updates for road closures and travel advisories to plan routes and evacuations safely.
- Support reputable humanitarian organizations assisting flood-affected communities, when possible.
Here is the source article for this story: Extreme weather kills 110 people in 12 days in Afghanistan