Flash floods in Afghanistan
People Helped
Humanitarian Needs
On May 10, 2024, heavy rains and flash floods hit northeastern Afghanistan. The provinces of Baghlan, Takhar, and Ghor were the hardest hit, with over 60,000 people affected. Flooding affected 11 districts in Baghlan and 6 districts in Takhar.
Approximately 7,800 houses were destroyed or severely damaged, displacing more than 5,000 families. Infrastructure, including roads, bridges, health facilities and schools, also suffered significant damage. Livelihoods and property were severely damaged, with almost 14,000 head of livestock (goats, sheep and cattle) lost and around 24,000 hectares of standing crops destroyed.
Vulnerable populations, including women, children, the elderly, and people with disabilities, face increased suffering due to the lack of safe housing, water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) facilities, and other basic necessities. Immediate needs include temporary shelter for displaced families, medical aid for the injured, and supplies of food, clean water, and essential items.
Humanitarian Response
Islamic Relief has been present in Afghanistan since 1992, emerging as a leading agency in responding to major emergencies over the past 31 years. Through immediate, medium, and long-term support, it has aided affected communities across various regions. Presently, Islamic Relief Afghanistan operates in 15 provinces, with 16 offices, including in Baghlan and Kunduz, in the areas of this response.
Islamic Relief's response will deliver critical aid to 8,050 flood affected individuals.
As such, Islamic Relief in Afghanistan will enhance the safety and security of 3640 people through full or partial shelter repairs depending on the needs of the households and on the impact of the floods on their homes. A cash-for-shelter program will be set up. Priority given to families whose homes were destroyed or severely damaged; displaced families living in temporary arrangements; and families who have lost family members
Moreover, a cash-for-work program will be set up to empower more than 380 skilled workers (mainly carpenters and masons) and unskilled workers in the community by providing them with work opportunities and cash grants. Skilled workers will be provided with working tools such as wheelbarrows, axes, shovel handles, etc.
Islamic Relief in Afghanistan will also improve water, sanitation, and hygiene access in the flood-affected communities by providing 1,750 individuals with hygiene kits containing antiseptic soaps, laundry soaps, cotton cloths, toothpastes, shampoos, and other necessities.
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