Heavy Rainfall in Eastern Afghanistan claims lives & land

Heavy Rainfall in Eastern Afghanistan claims lives & land

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As part of the interagency need assessment, CWSA is assessing the extent of damage and effect of the hailstorm in Nangarhar

A storm that brought heavy rainfall to eastern Afghanistan killed at least 35 people and left more than 350 injured, on Monday, reported government officials. Sarkhrood, Behsood, Batikot, Mohmandara, Lalpoor, and Jalalabad city are among the most affected districts.

The extreme climate hazard caused extensive damage to property, with approximately 1,000 homes either completely or partially destroyed. Educational infrastructures suffered as well, with damage reported to five schools, and two mosques. Connecting roads to remote villages and regions have also been damaged and deemed unfit for use.

Afghanistan’s agricultural sector has been severely impacted again, with hundreds of acres of farmland and trees damaged, and around 100 livestock lost, further affecting local livelihoods. Since the start of the year, Afghanistan has experienced extreme climatic conditions that have led to flooding, landslides and severe damage to life and livelihoods of affected communities. In response to the disaster, government authorities have initiated rescue operations to assist those trapped and in need. Mobile health teams have been deployed to provide urgent medical care, and the World Health Organization (WHO) is supplying additional medical resources to hospitals in the affected regions.

The Meteorological Department of Afghanistan warned about the storms and torrential rains entering the country on Monday and Tuesday, resulting in heavy rains and strong winds in at least 12 provinces.

Immediate Needs:

  • Shelter and Protection: Temporary shelters, tents, and non-food items to provide immediate relief to displaced families.
  • Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH): Clean water, sanitation facilities, and hygiene kits to prevent disease outbreaks.
  • Healthcare Services: Medical aid, mobile health clinics, and essential medicines to treat the injured and prevent the spread of illnesses.
  • Livelihood Support: Cash assistance and resources to help families rebuild their livelihoods and recover from agricultural losses.

Hundreds of families have lost their belongings and homes after the hailstorm.
The extreme climate hazard caused extensive damage to properties.
The immediate needs identified for the affected communities include shelter, clean water, healthcare, and livelihood support.
Approximately 1,000 homes have been either completely or partially destroyed.

Community World Service Asia’s Response:

Community World Service Asia is closely monitoring the situation on the ground, and is in close coordination with ANDMA and other relevant agencies. Our team in Afghanistan has participated in an interagency need assessment led by IOM, to assess the extent of damage and effect of the hailstorm in Nangarhar, and continues to coordinate with humanitarian and government responders on the ground to plan. CWSA will initiate response in regions where it maintains operational presence, with the capacity to extend the scope of its response to additional areas as needed.

Additionally, humanitarian organisations working in the area have initiated assessments in Kunar, where initial reports indicate 5 deaths and 50 affected families and Laghman, where 200 families are reported to be affected, and road access has been temporarily disrupted.

Contacts:

Shama Mall
Deputy Regional Director
Programs & Organisational Development
Email: shama.mall@communityworldservice.asia
Tele: 92-21-34390541-4

Palwashay Arbab
Head of Communication
Email: palwashay.arbab@communityworldservice.asia
Tele: 92-21-34390541-4

Sources:
AP News
ABC News
ANDMA

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