Over the past three weeks, severe winter weather has claimed the lives of sixty people across Afghanistan, according to Mullah Janan Saeq, a spokesman for the national disaster authority. An additional 23 individuals have been injured as heavy snowfall, rain, and freezing temperatures have gripped the nation.
The harsh conditions have disrupted daily life and essential services, particularly in remote mountainous regions where access is already limited. Many roads have become impassable due to heavy snow, hindering rescue efforts and the delivery of vital supplies.
“Our teams are working tirelessly to reach affected areas,” Saeq stated. “We are providing emergency assistance, but the scale of the disaster has made operations challenging.”
The severe weather has also impacted agriculture and livestock, crucial components of Afghanistan’s economy and food security. Farmers are reporting significant losses, raising concerns about long-term effects on communities already facing economic hardships.
Local authorities have issued warnings urging residents to take precautions and limit travel. Humanitarian organizations are coordinating with the government to deploy additional resources to the most affected provinces.
This tragic event highlights the vulnerabilities faced by Afghanistan in dealing with natural disasters. As climate patterns continue to change, there is an increasing need for robust infrastructure and disaster preparedness programs to mitigate the impacts on the population.
The international community is monitoring the situation closely, with several nations expressing readiness to assist in relief efforts. For now, the focus remains on rescuing those stranded and providing immediate support to survivors.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
