Severe Weather Warning Issued as Afghanistan Faces Heavy Rain and Floods

The Afghan Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation’s meteorological department has issued a warning about the potential for heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and flash floods across 26 provinces of the country. Concurrently, the disaster management authority reported that the death toll from recent severe weather events has reached 157 since the beginning of the solar month of Hamal.

Weather Forecast and Rainfall Distribution Map

The meteorological department has issued a serious alert, predicting intense rainfall and flash flooding in wide regions of Afghanistan. According to their forecasts, 26 provinces will experience heavy showers, thunderstorms, moderate winds, and sudden floods. These provinces include Faryab, Sar-e Pol, Badghis, Herat, Farah, Ghor, Helmand, Kandahar, Zabul, Urozgan, Daikundi, Bamyan, Ghazni, Wardak, Logar, Paktia, Khost, Paktika, Nangarhar, Laghman, Panjshir, Kapisa, Parwan, Baghlan, Samangan, and Takhar. The expected rainfall in these areas is estimated to range from 10 to 40 millimeters. Additionally, there is a possibility of snowfall in high-altitude and colder regions, which could exacerbate transit challenges.

Shockingly High Human Casualty and Damage Statistics

In conjunction with these warnings, the disaster management authority has released new figures on casualties from the recent weather events. As of March 26, due to torrential rain, flooding, and landslides across various provinces, at least 157 people have lost their lives, and another 229 have sustained injuries. These incidents have not only resulted in human fatalities but have also caused significant financial damages, including the destruction of hundreds of homes and agricultural lands. For more information on the devastating impacts of severe weather, see our report on Severe Weather Claims Lives and Homes in Afghanistan Amid Ongoing Climate Crisis.