Aid distributed to flood-affected families as severe weather causes widespread damage

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) of Afghanistan, in cooperation with international partners, has stepped up emergency response efforts following recent heavy rains, floods and other natural disasters that have caused widespread loss of life, injury and property damage across the country.

In Kandahar province, the NDMA, under a memorandum of understanding with Save the Children, distributed food and non‑food assistance to 109 families whose homes were damaged by recent floods and heavy rain.

With financial and technical support from IOM, WFP, CHA, UNHCR, UNFPA and Save the Children, aid packages were provided following detailed surveys. Items delivered included mattresses, food packages, health and hygiene kits and tents.

The Kandahar NDMA stated that supporting disaster‑affected families remains a core responsibility and expressed gratitude for ongoing humanitarian cooperation.

Afghanistan has been hit by intense rainfall and extreme weather over the past week, triggering flash floods, landslides and damage in multiple provinces. According to the NDMA, more than 110 people have died, at least 160 were injured, and seven others were reported missing due to these conditions over the past 11 days.

The flooding has caused extensive destruction, including the complete loss of nearly 1,000 homes, partial damage to over 4,000 houses, and flooding of more than 15,000 acres of farmland.

Roads, irrigation systems and critical infrastructure have also been damaged, disrupting travel and access to essential services.

In Nangarhar province, heavy rains caused the collapse of mud‑brick house roofs, killing at least five people and injuring others, underscoring the vulnerability of rural housing in Afghanistan’s remote areas.

Nationwide impact and weather risks

The NDMA released video updates explaining casualty figures and showing the scale of damage from recent natural disasters nationwide, including impacts from extreme weather over the past 24 hours. The authority continues to monitor conditions and coordinate response efforts.

Meteorological and agriculture agencies have noted that ongoing rainfall could benefit spring crops but also heightens the risk of further flooding in vulnerable regions. The FAO has warned that while increased moisture supports agriculture, heavy precipitation raises flood risks, particularly in urban and rural flood‑prone areas.

Other Natural Disasters

In addition to flooding, a 5.8‑magnitude earthquake struck the Hindu Kush region on April 3, killing at least 8–12 people and injuring several more. Homes were damaged in multiple provinces, demonstrating Afghanistan’s exposure to seismic hazards.

The NDMA continues to issue warnings and advisories to residents across several provinces to stay away from rivers and flood‑prone zones as unstable weather persists. Emergency teams, together with national and international partners, are conducting ongoing assessments to guide further relief efforts and damage mitigation.