Storms, Heavy Rain and Landslides Kill Nine Children in Afghanistan
According to the emergency department of Kandahar province, strong winds accompanied by heavy rain hit the region on Wednesday, resulting in the deaths of six children. The storm damaged homes across multiple districts and caused significant financial losses to local residents. Authorities said several families have been left homeless, while agricultural land and basic infrastructure also suffered damage.
On the same day, a rain-triggered landslide occurred in the Quraysh village of eastern Nuristan province. The landslide buried members of a single family, killing three people and injuring two others. Nuristan provincial government spokesperson Faraidun Shamim confirmed that two of the victims were 10-year-old girls. Rescue efforts have been challenging due to the remote, mountainous terrain of the area.
Meanwhile, central Afghanistan has been facing extreme winter conditions. Ghazni province recorded nearly 80 centimeters (31 inches) of snowfall within 24 hours, forcing markets to shut down and cutting off road communication with several districts. Heavy snowfall has also affected the capital, Kabul, where multiple road accidents have been reported.
Afghanistan’s fragile infrastructure, particularly in remote and mountainous regions, makes the country highly vulnerable to natural disasters. Floods, landslides, storms and harsh winter weather frequently claim lives and leave communities struggling. Experts warn that without stronger disaster preparedness and emergency response systems, such tragedies are likely to continue.
