Why Are Flash Floods So Deadly in Afghanistan?

29 May 2024 — Starting in April, flash floods have wreaked havoc across Afghanistan, leaving at least 300 dead, hundreds injured, and nearly 9,000 homes destroyed. Thousands are now homeless. Roads, bridges, schools, and health facilities in Baghlan, Badakshan, Takhar, Faryab and Ghor are in ruins.

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Once again, Afghanistan is heavily affected by a climate catastrophe after last year’s earthquakes in Herat, and frequent sandstorms and drought hitting the most vulnerable, particularly women and children, the hardest.

But why are these sudden deluges so deadly, and what makes this disaster particularly devastating?

On the surface, it might seem like a straightforward question, yet the answers unravel a complex weave of geography, climate change and socio-economic frailties, creating a polycrisis that’s hard to untangle. Here’s what you need to know and how UNDP is trying to reduce its impact.

Afghanistan’s unique topography is inherently susceptible to flash flooding. The country is characterized by mountainous terrain, which accumulates snow during winter. When the snow melts or heavy rains fall, water rushes down these rocky, barren slopes at breakneck speeds, transforming streams into torrents. These fast-moving waters have little to no natural impediments, making it easy for floods to sweep communities away with little warning.

Compounding this natural vulnerability is climate change. Afghanistan is experiencing more extreme weather, erratic rainfall patterns, and increased temperatures, all contributing to more frequent and severe flooding. The country lacks adequate canalization and water management systems, meaning floodwaters can easily breach riverbanks and make their way into populated areas.

A significant factor in the deadly nature of flash floods in Afghanistan is the socio-economic condition of its people. Many Afghan communities are situated near riverbeds to exploit water resources, a necessity in a country suffering from chronic water scarcity. This means that when flash floods occur, these communities are directly in harm’s way.

The housing in these regions often exacerbates the problem. Poorly constructed from fragile materials like mud and wood, many can’t withstand the force of a flood. Adding to this are the frequent earthquakes. In an earthquake-prone area, building resilient, multi-storey structures is not just challenging; it’s often impossible. Thus, when floods strike, homes crumble, and people are left vulnerable.

Infrastructure limitations extend beyond housing. Poor road networks make it difficult for people to evacuate, and for aid to reach those who need it. Early warning systems are practically non-existent in many parts of the country, leaving communities with little to no time to prepare or evacuate.

The situation is further worsened by underfunded adaptation programmes. Over recent years, international support for these crucial initiatives has dwindled. This reduction in funding has compromised both immediate relief efforts and long-term resilience building, deepening the impact of each successive flood.

Cultural norms often keep women and children at home, making them particularly vulnerable during disasters.

Despite the grim scenario, there’s hope. UNDP has been developing a full package of initiatives aimed at both immediate and long-term solutions. With a catch; funding is limited given the scale of the problem.

UNDP also focuses on building livelihoods and opportunities for long-term resilience. Programmes include financial support to families to rebuild their homes and injecting income directly into local economies. When a crisis hits, UNDP quickly deploys cash-for-work for clearing and debris removal. Improving road access and infrastructure remains a priority, allowing for easier evacuation and resource distribution.

Another initiative involves community kitchens managed by women. These serve as social enterprises that offer immediate food security and generate income, empowering women and fostering economic resilience. At the same time with UN and other partners, UNDP builds temporary shelters to protect families from the harsh Afghan weather.

Key interventions include improved canalization and irrigation channels to manage water flow. Effective water management systems can direct floodwaters away from vulnerable communities, reducing immediate damage. In the short term, establishing temporary shelters, quickly assessing the needs of affected areas, and providing resources for rebuilding are critical steps.

Vernacular architecture, as promoted by UNDP, utilizes traditional Afghan building materials and techniques such as mud-brick and timber to create resilient, sustainable homes. These methods naturally withstand the region’s harsh climate and seismic activity but when properly applied can also be more resistant to flash floods.

By empowering local artisans to build using these culturally relevant, cost-effective techniques, communities can develop stronger structures, reducing the devastating impact of flash floods and earthquakes, while preserving cultural heritage and fostering community resilience.

Modern early warning systems are crucial. With advanced technology and local knowledge combined, these systems can provide timely alerts, giving people precious time to protect themselves and evacuate if necessary. For UNDP is important that these early warning systems include all and particularly the most vulnerable; women, children and elderly.

Addressing Afghanistan’s flash flood and overall climate energy crisis is an intricate task requiring coordinated efforts, sustained funding, and a balanced focus on both immediate response and long-term adaptation. The international community must step up to provide consistent support, ensuring not just survival, but also resilience and development for Afghan communities.

Understanding the complex dynamics at play is crucial, and with ongoing global and local initiatives, Afghanistan can aim for a future where disasters no longer spell inevitable catastrophe. UNDP is there to support them.