24 Jul 2023 | 08:46 AM UTC
Afghanistan: Disruptions due to flooding ongoing across central and eastern regions as of July 24
Disruptions due to flooding ongoing across parts of central and eastern Afghanistan as of July 24. Further adverse weather forecast.
Event
Disruptions due to flooding are ongoing across parts of central and eastern Afghanistan as of July 24. Heavy rainfall since July 22 has triggered flash floods across at least eight provinces in recent days. Authorities have reported at least 31 fatalities, 74 others injured, and 42 still missing across the affected areas, with the majority of the fatalities reported in Maidan Wardak Province. More than 600 homes have been damaged and several roads in the region have been closed due to flooding, including the Kabul-Bamian highway in the Jalrez area. Response operations are ongoing in affected areas.
The Afghanistan Meteorological has warned of further adverse weather in the region over the coming days; a warning for heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and possible flash flooding is in place for parts of Bamyan, Daykundi, Farah, Ghazni, Ghor, Helmand, Kabul, Kandahar, Kapisa, Khost, Kunar, Laghman, Logar, Maidan Wardak, Nangahar, Nuristan, Paktia, Paktika, Parwan, Uruzgan, and Zabul provinces July 24-25. Rainfall totals of 1.5-4 cm (0.6-1.6 inches) are expected across the affected area. The most severe weather is forecast in parts of eastern Bamyan, northern Ghazni, Khost, northern Logar, eastern Maidan Wardak, northeastern Paktia, northeastern Paktika, and southern Parwan provinces. Red warnings (the highest level on a three-tier scale) are in place across these areas, with orange and yellow warnings in place across the rest of the affected region. 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.
