Afghanistan is experiencing a severe wave of extreme weather, with official reports indicating heavy snowstorms and torrential rains that have caused significant loss of life and property damage. According to the latest figures, an official spokesperson confirmed that approximately 360 families have been directly affected, while 458 homes have suffered varying degrees of damage or been completely destroyed, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in the affected areas.
Casualty figures and material losses
According to Afghanistan's National Disaster Management Authority, the severe weather that struck the country between Wednesday and Friday killed 61 people and injured 110 others. The damage was concentrated in the northern and central provinces, where initial maps revealed the extent of the destruction to infrastructure and homes.
Infrastructure challenges and difficult geography
These events take on a tragic dimension given Afghanistan's geography and urban planning. Most homes in rural and remote areas are built of mud or other simple materials, making them highly vulnerable to collapse from heavy rains or snow accumulation. Furthermore, the country suffers from a severely weakened road and bridge infrastructure due to decades of conflict, posing a significant logistical challenge for emergency teams in reaching isolated mountain villages and conducting rescue operations.
Closure of arterial roads and its economic impact
In a related development, authorities in Parwan province announced the closure of the Salang highway, a vital artery connecting the capital, Kabul, to the north of the country. The closure of this crucial route will have immediate economic repercussions, halting the movement of goods, food, and fuel, which could lead to price hikes and shortages in local markets.
Authorities' response and the humanitarian situation
In response to these conditions, authorities urged citizens to exercise caution and avoid unnecessary travel on snow-covered roads to protect their lives. Relief teams also began distributing emergency food aid to travelers stranded in mountain passes in central Bamiyan province. This disaster adds a new burden to the already fragile humanitarian situation in Afghanistan, which is grappling with economic crises and food security challenges. This necessitates concerted local and international efforts to provide the necessary support to those affected before the situation worsens with the onset of winter.
