KABUL, AFGHANISTAN – The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) says that heavy rainfall and resulting floods across 11 provinces of Afghanistan have killed a number of citizens and caused widespread damage to homes, infrastructure, and livelihoods.
UNAMA said that the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, the International Organization for Migration, and other humanitarian agencies are present in the affected areas to conduct rapid assessments and provide urgent assistance to impacted communities.
The UN mission added that despite the severe consequences, the rainfall could help reduce the intensity of the prolonged drought.
In recent days, various provinces of Afghanistan have witnessed heavy rains and flooding.
Meanwhile, local sources in Samangan province reported that three members of a family lost their lives after floods swept through the Feroz Nakhchir district. According to the sources, the incident occurred on Tuesday evening (31 March), and the victims included one woman and two children.
Additionally, a recent forecast by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) indicated that widespread rainfall was expected across Afghanistan between March 30 and April 5, particularly in central, eastern, and southeastern regions, increasing the risk of flash floods. While the continued rainfall has improved soil moisture and supported rainfed agriculture and crop growth, it has also contributed to casualties, with at least 17 people killed and 26 others injured in rain-related incidents over a two-day period.
Recent days have seen heavy rainfall and flooding across multiple provinces of the country, with Taliban figures confirming that at least 42 people have died and dozens more have been injured in rain- and flood-related incidents nationwide.
The latest incidents highlight Afghanistan’s growing vulnerability to climate-related disasters, as years of drought, environmental degradation, and limited infrastructure continue to increase the impact of extreme weather events on already fragile communities.
Afghanistan has experienced several consecutive years of reduced rainfall and severe drought, largely driven by climate change. While some areas have seen snowfall and rainfall this winter, overall precipitation levels are still considered below the long-term average.
This latest drought compounds a pattern of recurring water crises in Afghanistan. According to a report by ACAPS, the country has endured eight major droughts since 1969, including catastrophic events in 2018 and 2021 that affected over 11 million people. Ongoing groundwater depletion is threatening millions more.
