Heavy Rain and Snow Kill at Least 16 in Afghanistan Amid Worsening Humanitarian Crisis
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has reported that heavy rain and snow across several provinces in Afghanistan have claimed the lives of at least 16 people, the majority of whom were children, with dozens more injured. The agency warned that with winter approaching, the humanitarian situation in the country is becoming increasingly dire, with approximately two out of every five residents urgently needing assistance.
On Friday, OCHA reported that the severe weather led to deadly landslides in Nuristan province and caused roofs to collapse in multiple areas. According to the agency, the harsh weather conditions are creating new risks for families already grappling with poverty and lack of resources.
Meanwhile, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) posted on its X (formerly Twitter) page that heavy snowfall overnight has worsened conditions for children affected by the earthquake in eastern Afghanistan. UNICEF emphasized that needs are rising rapidly, and without immediate support, the most vulnerable groups will face even greater threats.
OCHA reiterated that Afghanistan continues to experience one of the world’s largest humanitarian crises, a crisis exacerbated by ineffective planning and lack of transparent response from the Taliban administration. The burden falls most heavily on ordinary people, especially children and impoverished families.
The UN agency has called for $1.7 billion to address humanitarian needs and support 17.5 million people in Afghanistan.
At the same time, the Meteorological Department on Friday issued warnings of heavy snow, rain, and strong winds in the provinces of Badakhshan, Nuristan, Kunar, Nangarhar, Panjshir, Kapisa, Logar, Laghman, Paktia, and Khost, urging residents to take precautionary measures.
