Flood is one of the devastating phenomena in the world. In Afghanistan, nearly 2,245 flood events have been recorded in the past nine years across the country. Afghanistan is at serious risk of flash floods and as a result of heavy rainfall every year, thousands of acres of agricultural fields, hundreds of houses are destroyed and thousands of people are forced to migrate.
Climate change has mostly caused of floods in many countries. Sudden heavy rains and early melting of snow in the spring season lead to catastrophic flash floods, loss of water resources and several other damages.
To reduce the increasing possibilities of floods, long-term and short-term solutions are suggested. In the long-term solutions at the global level fighting against climate change, reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, the expansion of vegetation and the use of renewable energy are stressed, while at the national level the increasing resilience and tolerance, adaptation to climatic conditions and healthy management of water resources are emphasized.
Natural disasters in Afghanistan cause huge financial and human losses every year. Among the 170 countries of the world, Afghanistan is the eighth most vulnerable country to natural disasters and climate change.
The annual rainfall rate in the country reaches up to 100 mm in landlocked areas, while it reaches up to 1000 mm in mountainous areas.
All water needs of the country, whether it is used in agriculture and industry or for drinking and other household needs, are provided from surface and underground resources. Afghanistan’s water resources are provided by mostly snow and rain and melting of snow in the mountains.
In 2014, in 14 northern provinces of the country, floods affected more than 90 thousand people and forced more than 20 thousand people to leave their homes and caused financial losses of nearly $100 million.
Afghanistan is seriously vulnerable to natural disasters and the effects of climate change. Therefore, it is necessary to suggest ways for the management of water resources, otherwise, the water that our lives depend on will threaten our lives. Considering the economic conditions and existing capacities, the methods of making vulnerable areas resilient, raising public awareness, and adapting to climate change should be considered.
It is worth mentioning that flash floods swept parts of Khoshi district and Pul-e-Alam city in Logar in eastern Afghanistan following heavy rains early this week killing at least 20 people and injuring over 30 more. Nine children and two women are among those wounded, a local official said, adding that four people are missing.
He said that nearly 3,000 houses, over 50 kilometers of road, and over 60% of agricultural land in the area were damaged by the floods and at least 2,000 cattle were killed.
Meanwhile, flash floods also swept away a vehicle with all those in it in Maidan Wardak province on Friday and left heavy damages to the residents.
Figures show that more than 50 people were killed and over 100 others were injured in last week’s flooding in Parwan, Kapisa, Ghazni, Paktia, Zabul and Kandahar provinces.
Masouda Qarizada
Recent flash floods cause human & financial losses in Afghanistan
