A powerful storm struck Afghanistan’s eastern Nangarhar province on Monday, resulting in nearly 40 deaths and at least 347 injuries, according to the country’s health ministry.
Ministry spokesman Sharafat Zaman indicated that casualty figures are expected to rise as search and rescue efforts continue.
The storm, which brought heavy rain, severely affected Jalalabad city, Surkh Road, Bati Kot, and Behsud districts.
Local officials reported extensive damage to homes, including one incident in Surkh Road district where an entire family of 11 was buried under debris.
Government agencies are urgently organizing rescue operations and providing aid. Emergency meetings have been held with aid organizations to request additional assistance.
The storm’s destructive power not only caused fatalities but also damaged infrastructure, with around 60 electricity pylons toppled, leaving many areas without power.
Local reports also noted damage to trees, crops, telecommunication systems, and infrastructure projects.
With the storm’s impact still unfolding, Nangarhar faces a long and challenging recovery process.
Afghanistan, prone to extreme weather events such as floods and droughts, is severely affected by the climate crisis. According to UN organizations, Afghanistan ranks as the world’s sixth most vulnerable country to climate change, despite being one of the smallest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions.
The country, still recovering from multiple earthquakes earlier this year and severe flooding in March, is ill-prepared to cope with the consequences of climate change.
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