Afghanistan: Disruptions due to flooding ongoing across eastern regions as of July 16

Disruptions due to flooding are ongoing across parts of eastern Afghanistan as of July 16. Authorities in Nangarhar Province have reported that heavy rainfall and thunderstorms late July 15 have caused 35 weather-related fatalities and injured around 230 others in Jalalabad and surrounding areas of the province. Damage and utility outages have also been reported in the region. Response operations are ongoing as of July 16, and officials have warned that casualty figures could rise. Authorities have also reported five fatalities in Kunar Province and two in Kapisa Province. Dozens of homes have been destroyed, and many roads and bridges made impassable across parts of Badakhshan, Kunar, and Panjshir provinces. Further isolated showers and storms are expected in the region over the coming days, and heavy downpours could exacerbate the flood situation and hamper ongoing response and recovery operations.

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.