25 Jul 2022 | 01:17 PM UTC
Afghanistan: Disruptions due to flooding ongoing across eastern regions as of July 25
Disruptions due to flooding are ongoing across parts of eastern Afghanistan as of July 25. Further adverse weather forecast.
Event
Disruptions due to flooding following days of heavy rainfall are ongoing across parts of eastern Afghanistan as of July 25. Disaster management authorities have reported that at least 13 people have been killed and 20 others injured in flash floods across ten eastern provinces July 23-24. Several bridges and roads have been damaged, including parts of the Kabul-Jalalabad highway and the main highway to Panjshir Province. Around 2,500 homes have also been damaged. The worst-affected provinces include Wardak, Paktia, Paktika, Nangarhar, Nuristan, Parwan, and Panjshir.
Further heavy rainfall is forecast across eastern and southern provinces in the coming days. As of July 25, the Afghanistan Meteorological Department has issued a weather warning stating that heavy rainfall and possible flash floods are possible over parts of Daykundi, Farah, Ghazni, Helmand, Kandahar, Kapisa, Khost, Kunar, Laghman, Logar, Nangarhar, Nimruz, Nuristan, Paktia, Paktika, Panjshir, Parwan, Uruzgan, Wardak, and Zabul provinces. Red warnings (the highest level on a three-tier scale) are in place over parts of southern Ghazni, central Kandahar, eastern Kunar, eastern Nangahar, and eastern Nimruz provinces. Orange and yellow warnings are in effect over the rest of the affected area. Officials could update and possibly extend the coverage of weather alerts over the coming days.
Hazardous Conditions
Further sustained heavy rainfall could trigger additional 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.
Due to the arid nature of the region and poor stormwater management, even minor rainfall accumulations could quickly result in episodes of flash flooding. Flooding is possible in streams and dry riverbeds.
Transport
The severe weather will likely contribute to transport disruptions throughout the region. 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 airports in the affected regions.
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.
