Nine children killed in storms and landslides that hit Afghanistan
Afghanistan has witnessed another humanitarian tragedy due to severe weather, with local officials reporting the deaths of at least nine children in the south and east of the country. This heartbreaking toll resulted from a series of intense storms and landslides triggered by torrential rains, as the country grapples with a severe weather system that includes heavy snowfall, disrupting daily life.
Details of the disaster in Kandahar and Nuristan
In southern Kandahar province, the emergency management department confirmed that strong winds and heavy rains caused the deaths of six children on Wednesday. The damage extended beyond human lives, with widespread destruction of property and homes, exacerbating the suffering of residents in these remote areas.
In a separate tragic incident in Nuristan province in eastern Afghanistan, a landslide caused by saturated soil from rainwater struck a house in the village of Quraish. The incident killed three children from the same family (two ten-year-old girls and a boy) and injured two others, according to Faridun Samim, a spokesman for the provincial government.
Traffic paralysis and road closures
The crisis is worsening as heavy snowfall continues, with accumulations reaching up to 80 centimeters in some areas over the past 24 hours. This significant accumulation has forced local authorities to close markets and block main and secondary roads, isolating numerous villages and residential areas.
The bad weather conditions in the capital Kabul and several other provinces also caused multiple traffic accidents, increasing the pressure on emergency and ambulance teams who are facing logistical difficulties in reaching those affected.
Geographical context and fragile infrastructure
These incidents occur within the challenging geographical and climatic context of Afghanistan, a country characterized by rugged mountainous terrain that makes it perpetually vulnerable to natural disasters. Landslides and floods are frequent hazards, particularly during the winter and spring seasons, when rain and snowmelt cause soil and rock movement.
The disaster is exacerbated by the poor infrastructure in rural and remote areas, where the majority of the population lives in houses built of mud or other materials that are not resistant to harsh weather conditions. This traditional architectural style, while adapted to the local environment, collapses easily in the face of severe storms and flash floods, increasing the death toll each winter season.
Challenges of humanitarian response
The people of Afghanistan face compounded challenges. In addition to natural hazards, the country is suffering from a severe economic and humanitarian crisis that limits the ability of government agencies and relief teams to respond quickly to disasters. The lack of heavy equipment for clearing roads and removing debris, coupled with the difficulty of accessing isolated mountain villages, makes rescue operations a grueling race against time.
International and local organizations warn of continued risks in the coming days, urging residents in low-lying areas and floodplains to exercise extreme caution, given the expectation of continued weather fluctuations.
