Statement by UNICEF Afghanistan on the Devastating Flash Floods in Northeast of Afghanistan

NEW YORK (May 12, 2024) – Flash floods in northeastern Afghanistan have reportedly killed at least 240 people, including 51 children, with many more injured. These figures are expected to increase as additional reports come in. Most of the casualties were reported in Baghlan province, where heavy rains destroyed an estimated 3,000 houses, damaged farmland, washed away livestock, closed schools, and damaged health centers. Takhar and Badakhshan provinces were also impacted with initial reports of at least 300 houses damaged.

“Let me express our heartfelt condolences to the families mourning the loss of loved ones,” said Dr. Tajudeen Oyewale, UNICEF Representative in Afghanistan. “UNICEF and our partners are on the ground and are making every effort to bring quick relief to the affected families and communities.”

UNICEF has dispatched 450 family kits, 500 hygiene kits, 476 blankets for adults and babies and 100 clothing kits which will complement support provided by other UN agencies and partners. A UNICEF-supported mobile health and nutrition team has also been dispatched and UNICEF teams are on the ground to help conduct additional assessments.

“The heavy rains and subsequent floods have disrupted lives and pose a significant risk to children in the affected provinces," said Dr. Oyewale. "As families cope with the loss, maintaining access to safe water, health and protection services is paramount. As always, UNICEF stands with the children and people of Afghanistan during this difficult time,” 

Afghanistan is amongst the 10 most vulnerable countries to climate change and has been experiencing a rise in extreme weather conditions, notably floods, drought, and sand and dust storms, resulting in the loss of lives and livelihoods and significant damage to infrastructure.

# # # #

About UNICEF
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) works in more than 190 countries and territories to pursue a more equitable world for every child. UNICEF has helped save more children’s lives than any other humanitarian organization, by providing health care and immunizations, safe water and sanitation, nutrition, education, emergency relief and more.

UNICEF USA advances the global mission of UNICEF by rallying the American public to support the world’s most vulnerable children. Together, we are working toward a world that upholds the rights of all children and helps every child thrive. For more information, visit www.unicefusa.org.

For more information please contact:
Jenna Buraczenski, UNICEF USA, (917) 720-1432, jburaczenski@unicefusa.org