Intense rainfall over the past week has caused severe flooding across much of Afghanistan, affecting more than 1,500 families. At least 35 people have been killed, while a further 50 people have been injured, according to local authorities. These numbers are expected to rise as the rains continue.
Approximately 50 families have been displaced as a result of the unseasonal rainfall that began on 10 April, and flash flooding has been reported across the country.
The floods have damaged or destroyed more than 900 houses. Approximately 63,000 acres of farmland have been severely damaged, and hundreds of livestock have been reportedly killed. More rain is expected and will likely cause more damage to important infrastructure.
Planning an immediate response
With the rainfall affecting 13 provinces, many of which Islamic Relief is operational in, the organization is well-placed to provide an immediate response.
Working with local authorities, plans are already underway to launch an emergency response in Balkh, northern Afghanistan, and in Kunar, eastern Afghanistan, where IRW will provide affected families with cash transfers, enabling them to buy food, emergency shelter items, and other urgent needs.
With more heavy rainfall on the way, Islamic Relief will continue to work with local authorities and other humanitarian actors to expand the emergency response.