Afghanistan: Disruptions due to flooding ongoing across parts of Baghlan and Badakhshan provinces as of early May 27

Disruptions due to flooding are ongoing across parts of Baghlan and Badakhshan provinces as of early May 27. Heavy rainfall triggered widespread flooding; the worst affected are central Badakhshan Province and Doshi District in Baghlan Province. Authorities have reported at least 16 fatalities and 11 injuries due to the flood. Several other people remain missing; the death toll is likely to rise as search and rescue and recovery operations continue. Around 500 homes were destroyed or damaged.

Flooding has killed hundreds of people over the recent weeks. Lingering disruptions are likely in flood-affected areas over the coming days, and additional heavy downpours will likely exacerbate the flood situation and hamper ongoing response and recovery 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.

Floodwaters and debris flows may render some bridges 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. Disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are possible where significant flooding or landslides impact utility networks. Severe weather could also trigger flight delays and cancellations at airports in the affected areas.

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.