06 Jan 2022 | 05:42 AM UTC
Afghanistan: Heavy rain, heavy snow, and possible flash floods forecast in Afghanistan through at least Jan. 8
Heavy rain, heavy snow, and possible flash floods forecast in Afghanistan through at least Jan. 8. Disruptions ongoing.
Event
Heavy rain, snow, and possible flash floods are forecast in Afghanistan through at least Jan. 8. The Afghanistan Meteorological Department has issued red (the highest level on a three-tier scale) snow, rain, and flash flood warnings in much of Helmand, northwestern and southeastern Kandahar, and northeastern Nimruz provinces. Orange warnings are in place across southwestern Farah, the rest of Helmand, the rest of Kandahar, and northern and central Nimruz provinces.
Authorities have declared a state of emergency due to the heavy snow and rain. Reports indicate that at least 10 people have died and more than 30 others injured in Badakhshan, Bamyan, Farah, Faryab, Jowzjan, and Nimruz provinces due to avalanches and other weather-related accidents. At least 40 houses have been destroyed in Kunar, Nimruz, Nuristan, and Zabul provinces.
Hazardous Conditions
Sustained heavy rainfall could trigger flooding in low-lying communities near rivers, streams, and creeks. Urban flooding is also possible in developed areas with easily overwhelmed or a lack of stormwater drainage systems. Sites downstream from large reservoirs or rivers may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall. Landslides are possible in hilly or mountainous areas, especially where the soil has become saturated by heavy rainfall. Power outages could occur throughout the affected area.
Precipitation could fall as snow in the higher elevations over the coming days. Wind gusts could cause blowing and drifting snow; decreased visibility is likely in mountainous areas. Avalanches are possible in mountainous areas where the snowpack has become unstable due to heavy snowfall.
Due to the arid nature of the region and poor stormwater management in some urban areas, even minor rainfall accumulations could quickly result in episodes of flash flooding. Flooding is possible in streams and wadis (dry riverbeds). Significant rainfall may be preceded by moderate winds and dust storms, though some areas - particularly desert areas - may experience high levels of dust without rain.
Transport
The severe weather will likely contribute to transport disruptions throughout the region. The Salang highway, connecting Kabul with the northern provinces, has been closed intermittently due to heavy snowfall in the south of Salang. Flooding in the Maiwand district of Kandahar province has closed the Kandahar-Helmand highway. Several other major roads have been damaged; repair efforts are underway. Traffic and commercial trucking delays might occur along regional highways. Flooding downpours could inundate some low-lying roads in areas with poor drainage. Strong winds might also pose a hazard to high-profile vehicles. Hazardous weather conditions might cause flight delays and cancellations at regional airports. Flight disruptions have been reported at Kabul International Airport (KBL) due to snow.
Disruptions triggered by inclement weather and resultant hazards, such as flooding, could persist well after conditions have improved; it could take days before any floodwaters recede and/or debris is cleared. If there is severe damage to infrastructure, repair or reconstruction efforts may result in residual disruptions.
Advice
Monitor local media for weather updates and related advisories. Confirm all transport reservations and business appointments prior to travel. Make allowances for localized travel delays, as well as potential supply chain disruptions, where flooding has been forecast. Do not drive on flooded roads.
