Kabul has been gripped by a brutal wave of heavy snowfall and relentless rain, claiming at least 11 lives and leaving three others injured across multiple provinces. Officials from the National Disaster Management Authority confirmed the grim toll on Thursday, highlighting the devastating impact of the extreme weather.
Preliminary reports from provincial authorities paint a picture of widespread chaos in eastern Parwan, Wardak, southern Kandahar, northern Jowzjan, Faryab, and central Bamyan provinces. These regions, home to vulnerable communities, have borne the brunt of the fury, with residents facing unprecedented hardships.
The storms have wreaked havoc beyond human casualties. Nine homes suffered partial damage from fierce winds and accumulating snow, while a staggering 530 livestock perished, crippling the livelihoods of farmers in these agriculture-dependent areas. Icy conditions have blocked key roads, isolating communities and complicating rescue efforts. Authorities are working around the clock to clear pathways and deliver essential aid.
The downpours and snow began intensifying on Wednesday and show no signs of letting up. The national weather service has issued stark warnings of continued precipitation in the coming days, urging caution amid the perilous conditions.
Compounding the crisis, recent forced deportations from Pakistan have exacerbated vulnerabilities. Doctors Without Borders (MSF) raised alarms earlier this month about Afghan refugees returning to an already strained Afghanistan during peak winter. Many are huddled in makeshift camps lacking proper shelter, clean water, healthcare, and food supplies.
MSF’s report from January 7 detailed how undocumented migrants, Afghan citizenship card holders, and those with temporary registration face the harshest repercussions. As temperatures plummet, the organization warns that winter could become a ‘silent killer’ for the most fragile among them. Mission chief Shou Weibing in Pakistan called on the international community to ramp up humanitarian and security support to avert further tragedy.
Afghanistan’s fragile infrastructure and ongoing economic woes make recovery an uphill battle. Relief operations continue unabated, but experts stress the need for sustained global assistance to safeguard lives through this harsh season.