Afghanistan: Disruptions due to flooding ongoing across many parts of the country as of April 18 /update 1

Disruptions due to flooding are ongoing across many parts of Afghanistan as of April 18 as severe weather continues to impact the region. Casualty figures continue to increase amid the severe weather; as of April 18, authorities have reported at least 70 fatalities and 56 others injured across Afghanistan. Badghis, Uruzgan, Farah, Paktia, Zabul, Helmand, Kunar, Kabul, Badakhshan, Ghor, Kandahar, Takhar, and Parwan are among the worst affected provinces. More than 2,500 homes have been damaged and thousands of livestock have perished. Large areas of agricultural land have been affected and many roads across the country are closed due to flooding and landslides, including the Kandahar-Arzegan road in Kandahar Province. Further adverse weather is forecast across the region through at least April 22; additional downpours will likely exacerbate the flood situation and hamper ongoing response efforts.

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.

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.

Authorities could issue evacuation orders for flood-prone communities over the coming days. Disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are possible where significant flooding or landslides impact utility networks.

Floodwaters and debris flows could render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in and around affected areas. Ponding on road surfaces could cause hazardous driving conditions on regional highways. Authorities could temporarily close some low-lying routes that become inundated by floodwaters. Flooding could block rail lines; freight train delays and cancellations are possible in areas that experience heavy rainfall and track inundation. Hazardous weather conditions might cause flight delays and cancellations at airports in the affected regions.

Localized business disruptions are possible, especially in low-lying and riverine areas; some businesses might not operate at full capacity because of flood damage to facilities, evacuations, and some employees' inability to reach work sites. Disruptions triggered by inclement weather and resultant hazards, such as flooding or landslides, could persist well after weather conditions have improved; it could take days before any floodwaters recede and/or officials clear debris. If there is severe damage to infrastructure, repair or reconstruction efforts may result in residual disruptions.

Flooding could heighten the threat of disease outbreaks. Backflow from drains mixed with floodwaters can become trapped in open areas when inundations recede. These stagnant pools often become a breeding ground for mosquitoes and bacteria, increasing the incidence of insect- and water-borne diseases. Exposure to contaminated water from inundated industrial sites, sewer systems, and septic tanks also poses a significant health threat.