Afghanistan: Disruptions due to flooding ongoing across parts of Ghor, Faryab, Sar-e-Pol, and Badghis provinces as of May 20

Disruptions due to flooding are ongoing across parts of Ghor, Faryab, Sar-e-Pol, and Badghis provinces as of May 20. Heavy rainfall May 17 triggered widespread flooding in Ghor province. Authorities have reported at least 52 fatalities and several others missing across the province. Around 2,000 homes have been destroyed, and more than 4,000 others have been damaged. The floods have damaged or blocked several roads across the province, including sections of the main Herat-Ghor highway. The city of Ferozkoh and surrounding areas are amongst the worst affected locations. The heavy rainfall also led to flooding in parts of Faryab and Sar-e-Pol provinces May 17. Authorities reported at least 18 fatalities in Faryab Province and damage to at least 60 homes in Sar-e-Pol Province.

Further heavy downpours occurred over parts of Faryab Province May 18-19 and resulted in at least 66 additional fatalities across the province. The floods have damaged more than 1,500 homes and large areas of agricultural land. At least three people have died, and dozens of homes have been destroyed in neighboring Badghis Province. Officials have warned of further heavy rainfall and possible flooding across parts of Afghanistan May 20. 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.