At Least Nine Children Killed in Afghanistan Amid Severe Storms and Landslides

Severe storms and a rain-triggered landslide have claimed the lives of at least nine children across southern and eastern Afghanistan, officials said, as residents face ongoing risks from extreme weather and heavy snowfall.

In Kandahar province, strong winds and heavy rain on Wednesday killed six children and caused extensive damage to homes in several districts, the local emergency department reported. Authorities also noted that the storms resulted in significant financial losses for families in the affected areas.

In eastern Nuristan province, a separate tragedy struck when a landslide triggered by heavy rainfall hit a house in Quraish village, killing three members of the same family and injuring two others. “Two 10-year-old girls and a teenage boy were killed,” Nuristan provincial government spokesman Fraidoon Samim said.

The impact of the storms has been compounded by unusually heavy snow in parts of the country. In central Ghazni province, an AFP correspondent reported that around 80 centimeters (31 inches) of snow fell within 24 hours, leading to the closure of markets and blocking key roads. Snowfall in several provinces, including the capital Kabul, has also contributed to a rise in traffic accidents, adding to the challenges faced by residents.

Afghanistan frequently experiences deadly floods, landslides, and storms, particularly in remote areas where infrastructure is fragile. The country’s mountainous terrain and limited disaster response capacity make rural communities especially vulnerable to extreme weather events.

Officials have warned that ongoing snowfall and heavy rain in affected regions could trigger further accidents and disrupt access to essential services. Local authorities and humanitarian organizations are urging residents to take precautions and avoid traveling through high-risk areas while emergency teams assess the damage.

The recent disasters underscore the vulnerability of Afghan communities to natural hazards, highlighting the challenges posed by climate-related events in a country already facing economic and social hardships. The combination of heavy rain, strong winds, and accumulating snow continues to threaten homes, roads, and livelihoods across southern, eastern, and central provinces.

Authorities have called for heightened preparedness in anticipation of more severe weather over the coming days. The government is coordinating with local agencies to provide assistance to families affected by the storms and landslides, including shelter, food, and medical support for those injured.

The tragedies in Kandahar and Nuristan reflect a broader pattern of weather-related disasters in Afghanistan, which routinely result in casualties and property damage. Experts note that continued investment in disaster management and infrastructure improvements is essential to reduce the impact of future storms and landslides on vulnerable populations.