Afghanistan: 61 dead and hundreds of homes destroyed by snow and rain
Afghanistan has witnessed a severe wave of violent weather fluctuations in the past few days, resulting in heavy human and material losses. Official authorities and the National Disaster Management Authority reported severe damage affecting hundreds of families in various provinces, especially in the northern and central regions of the country.
Casualty figures and material losses
According to the latest data from the National Disaster Management Authority, heavy snow and torrential rain between Wednesday and Friday resulted in 61 deaths and 110 injuries of varying severity. The damage extended beyond human lives, impacting infrastructure and housing. A total of 360 families were confirmed directly affected, and 458 homes were destroyed or damaged, leaving hundreds homeless in harsh weather conditions.
Traffic paralyzed and Salang Road closed
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. This closure is a necessary precautionary measure due to heavy snowfall and poor visibility, posing a significant risk to travelers. Authorities have urged citizens and drivers to avoid unnecessary travel at this time and to heed official warnings to prevent the fatal accidents that occur annually in such weather conditions.
Geographical context and infrastructure challenges
Afghanistan is known for its rugged mountainous terrain and harsh continental climate, making it frequently vulnerable to natural disasters, particularly during the winter and spring. The poor infrastructure and fragile mud-brick houses in villages and rural areas exacerbate the scale of the disaster, as these buildings easily collapse under flash floods or heavy snowfall. Rescue teams face significant logistical challenges in reaching remote and isolated areas due to road closures and the treacherous mountain paths.
Humanitarian response and aid
Despite the challenges, relief teams have begun mobilizing to contain the crisis, distributing emergency food aid to travelers stranded in the mountain passes of central Bamiyan province. This disaster further exacerbates the already dire humanitarian situation in the country, necessitating a concerted local and international effort to provide essential support to those affected and to rehabilitate the devastated areas to ensure the future safety of citizens.
