KABUL, AFGHANISTAN – Nearly nine million people in Afghanistan have been impacted by climate hazards over the past 12 months, with more than half a million displaced due to floods, droughts, and other natural disasters, according to IOM.
The International Organization for Migration in a report published on Thursday, revealed that natural disasters such as floods and droughts have now surpassed conflict as the leading cause of displacement in Afghanistan, exacerbating the country’s already dire humanitarian crisis.
Mihyung Park, IOM’s Chief of Mission in Afghanistan, emphasized that despite Afghanistan contributing minimally to global carbon emissions, it ranks among the top ten countries most impacted by climate change. Park called for urgent international support to assist vulnerable communities and prevent further displacement.
The IOM report also revealed that nearly three million people have been displaced between 2021 and 2024, with 988,000 experiencing temporary displacement in 2024 alone due to climate and disaster-related events.
During this period, the report noted nearly 400,000 cases of property damage or loss of shelter and assets, as well as 14,000 injuries or deaths caused by natural disasters.
IOM also warned that over 11 million people in Afghanistan remain at high risk of severe climate-related impacts, particularly in provinces such as Ghor, Jawzjan, and Khost, which are most vulnerable.
The agency revealed that 92% of villages in Afghanistan have limited access to emergency services, while 46% face challenges in accessing healthcare. “Poor critical infrastructure further weakens disaster preparedness, response, and recovery, increasing vulnerability to climate hazards,” the IOM said.
Despite contributing only 0.8% of global greenhouse gas emissions, Afghanistan is one of the most climate-vulnerable nations in the world. The country is already grappling with one of its worst humanitarian crises in decades, exacerbated by prolonged droughts that have worsened food and water shortages.
In recent years, extreme weather events such as heavy rain, snow, and floods have killed hundreds and displaced thousands. Just two days ago, a devastating rainstorm and flooding claimed nearly 80 lives across the country. Last year alone, over 500 people died from similar incidents.
The Taliban’s takeover in August 2021 has left Afghanistan isolated from international climate discussions, further hindering its ability to address these escalating challenges.
The ongoing environmental and humanitarian crises underscore Afghanistan’s dire need for global support. However, with international sanctions and political isolation restricting access to critical resources, the country remains perilously unprepared to tackle one of the most severe climate emergencies in its history.
