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Afghanistan: Avalanches and Floods - Jan 2017

Status
Past
Countries
Afghanistan
Disaster types
Snow Avalanche
+ 2 more

On 25 January, heavy snowfall and freezing weather has killed 27 children in a remote district of northern Afghanistan. (RFE, 26 Jan 2017)

A large number of avalanche, snowfall and rain-related disasters were reported around Afghanistan between 4-7 February, with 22 out of 34 provinces reported to have been affected. Provinces with casualties and significant damage to homes and livelihoods included Badakhshan (several districts), Balkh (Chimtal), Faryab (Pashtun Kot, Kohistanat), Samangan (Darisuf Bala), Sar-i-Pul (Sozmaqala, Sayad and Balkhab), Hirat (Adraksan), Badghis (Nahya Four and Ab Kamari), Nangarhar (several districts), Paktia (several districts), Khost (several districts), Helmand (Lashkar Gah), Kandahar (Kandahar City), Bamiyan, Daykundi, Parwan and Kapisa (all several districts). (OCHA, 8 Feb 2017)

Badakhshan and Nooristan provinces were severely hit by two avalanches, resulting in causalities and destruction of houses followed by flash floods on 18 February that had significantly impacted in Herat, Zabul and Nimroz provinces. An estimated 6,752 families were reportedly affected across Afghanistan, with 194 deaths, and 90 persons sustaining injuries in various parts of the country. The majority of the reported caseloads have been assessed, with a total 2,010 families in need of assistance, while the distribution of relief items is underway and expected to be completed by 02 March 2017. (IOM, 25 Feb 2017)

As of 23 February, several homes had been destroyed or swept away by flood waters, and over 20,000 hectares of arable land had been submerged in flood water. An estimated 3,000 people have been affected and displaced by flooding in both Chakhansur and Khashrod districts. Affected populations are in dire need of humanitarian assistance. Some of the affected were already vulnerable prior to the flooding. Many were either internally displaced or returnees from Iran. Access to families affected in Chakhansur district is currently difficult due to high flood waters that have prevented access by road to affected people (ACAPS, 2 Mar 2017)