Heavy rain and snowfall triggered flash floods across Afghanistan that have killed at least 17 people and injured 11 others, officials say. The fatalities include five members of one family whose roof collapsed on New Year’s Day; two children are among the dead. About 1,800 families have been affected, with infrastructure damage and livestock losses reported across multiple regions. Assessment teams are surveying the worst-hit areas as humanitarian agencies mobilize amid a $1.7 billion appeal to help nearly 18 million people.
Flash Floods Kill At Least 17 in Afghanistan After Heavy Rain and Snow
APHeavy rains and snowfall—the first of the season—ended a long dry spell in Afghanistan but sparked flash floods in several areas, leaving at least 17 people dead and 11 injured
At least 17 people have died and 11 others were injured after flash floods swept across multiple regions of Afghanistan following heavy rainfall and snowfall, officials said.
Afghanistan’s National Disaster Management Authority reported on Thursday, Jan. 1, that the majority of the fatalities occurred beginning Monday, Dec. 29. The toll includes five members of one family who died when a roof collapsed on New Year's Day in the western province of Herat, authorities said. Two children are among those confirmed dead.
Mohammad Yousaf Saeedi, a spokesperson for the Herat governor, confirmed the family deaths to reporters and said emergency responders have been working to reach affected communities. Roughly 1,800 families have been impacted by flooding triggered by a combination of heavy rain and snow, according to the disaster agency.
APFlash floods sparked by heavy rain and snowfall affected roughly 1,800 families.
Officials report widespread damage to infrastructure and significant losses of livestock across Afghanistan’s central, northern, southern and western regions. Assessment teams have been dispatched to the hardest-hit areas and authorities plan detailed surveys to identify remaining needs and guide relief operations.
Humanitarian Context
The extreme weather comes amid already severe humanitarian needs in Afghanistan. The United Nations and partner aid organizations warn the country is likely to remain one of the world’s largest humanitarian crises in 2026. A $1.7 billion appeal has been launched to assist nearly 18 million people deemed to be in urgent need of help.
The Associated Press contributed reporting to this account. PEOPLE has contacted Afghanistan’s National Disaster Management Authority for further comment.
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