Heavy snow and rainfall kill 61, injure 110 over 3 days in Afghanistan, authorities say

Heavy snow and rainfall in Afghanistan over the past three days have resulted in 61 deaths and 110 injuries, according to the country's disaster management authority. The severe weather has also destroyed or damaged 458 homes and killed hundreds of animals across 15 of Afghanistan's 34 provinces. The events, which occurred as of Saturday, have prompted authorities to struggle with opening roads and accessing isolated villages. Afghanistan is particularly susceptible to extreme weather, and the disaster management authority expects the reported numbers to change as more information becomes available. The country's vulnerability is exacerbated by conflict, poor infrastructure, economic struggles, and deforestation.

Heavy snow and rain in Afghanistan have resulted in at least 61 deaths and 110 injuries over the past three days, according to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA). The severe weather has also destroyed or partially damaged 458 houses, impacting at least 360 families, and caused livestock losses. The NDMA anticipates the death toll may rise as assessment teams continue surveying affected regions. The Ministry of Public Works has closed the Salang Tunnel, a crucial route connecting Kabul with northern provinces, due to heavy snowfall, disrupting trade and transport. The Ministry of Transport and Aviation forecasts continued snow and rain in several parts of the country, potentially causing further travel disruptions and road blockages, particularly in mountainous areas.