From 10-11 May 2024, heavy rainfall and flash floods hit northeastern Afghanistan, affecting 21 districts across Badakhshan, Baghlan, and Takhar provinces. 

At least 560 people have lost their lives from the impact, with the floods destroying and damaging nearly 9,000 homes. Key health facilities, water supply, agricultural land and livestock have all been severely impacted. The disaster has displaced an unknown number of people, who need emergency shelter, food, medical supplies, safe drinking water and hygiene kits.

The crisis is compounding an existing catastrophe. 95% of households are unable to put food on the table. At least 55% of the population is expected to be in crisis or emergency levels of food insecurity. Afghan children are starving nearly every day.

Without urgent action, more people will slip towards the brink. We are mobilising on the ground to ensure that emergency aid reaches those in need.

Political, social and economic crises, especially for women and girls, have forced thousands to flee their homes and plunged millions into poverty.

According to UNHCR, 23 million people face acute food insecurity, while 8.4 million face emergency levels of food insecurity or famine-like conditions. One million children are at risk of severe malnourishment.

Humanitarian needs remain staggeringly high. 24.4 million people - 54% of whom are children - will require humanitarian assistance in 2022, an increase of 6 million from early 2021.

According to the Ecological Threat Register (ETR), Afghanistan is among the top three countries exposed to ecological shocks, leaving the country highly vulnerable to natural disasters and climate change. Floods and droughts combined with the already strained economy are leaving millions cut off from clean water.