Storms and Heavy Rain in Afghanistan Trigger Deaths, Landslides and Avalanches

Severe storms and heavy rain in Afghanistan have killed at least 14 people across multiple provinces, officials confirmed, as extreme winter weather continues to batter the country with heavy snowfall, landslides, and avalanches.

Authorities warned that further risks remain high as storms persist and infrastructure struggles to cope with the intensified weather conditions.

Children Among Victims as Storms Hit Kandahar

Strong winds and heavy rain swept through Kandahar province, killing six children and damaging homes across several districts.

Emergency officials said the storms caused significant financial losses, leaving families vulnerable amid freezing temperatures and limited resources.

Avalanche and Landslide Add to Rising Death Toll

An avalanche in Parwan province, west of Kabul, claimed one life, while officials confirmed that 11 people were killed across six provinces due to snow and rain-related incidents.

In eastern Nuristan province, a rain-triggered landslide struck a home in Quraish village, killing three members of the same family and injuring two others.

Local authorities confirmed that two 10-year-old girls and a teenage boy were among the victims.

Heavy Snow Paralyzes Provinces, Markets Shut

In central Ghazni province, nearly 80 centimetres of snow fell within 24 hours, forcing the closure of markets and blocking major roads.

Heavy snowfall in Kabul and other provinces has also led to traffic accidents, further straining emergency services.

Salang Pass Closed as Snow Reaches Dangerous Levels

Severe storms and snowfall have forced the closure of several highways, including the strategic Salang Pass.

Officials reported snow depths exceeding four metres in North Salang and nearly three metres in South Salang, making travel extremely dangerous.

Ongoing storms have also hampered snow-clearing operations, delaying reopening efforts.

Multiple Provincial Routes Shut Due to Extreme Weather

Several key regional roads have been closed due to heavy snow, including routes:

• Linking Bamiyan to Yakaolang and Panjab
• Connecting Parwan and Ghor provinces
• Major routes in Daikundi, including Khadir, Konaq, Kumi, and Shahristan–Miramor
• Roads in Ghazni districts such as Nawur, Ajristan, Malistan, and Jaghori

Routes connecting Khost and Paktia provinces have also been shut due to severe conditions.

Images Show Worsening Conditions Across Afghanistan

Images from Maidan Wardak province show deep snow accumulation, while snowfall continues in Herat, indicating that the weather system remains active across large parts of the country.

Authorities Issue Travel and Safety Advisory

The Ministry of Public Works urged citizens to avoid unnecessary travel, check road conditions before departure, and carry essential supplies, including warm clothing, food, fuel, and tyre chains.

Officials warned that Afghanistan’s fragile infrastructure and remote terrain make communities particularly vulnerable to floods, storms, landslides, and avalanches.

Extreme Weather a Recurring Threat in Afghanistan

Afghanistan frequently experiences deadly weather events, especially during winter, with limited emergency access in remote areas increasing the risk of casualties during storms and heavy snowfall.

Authorities said monitoring continues as weather conditions remain unstable.