ReliefWeb

Situation Overview

• Poor precipitation during the winter of 2017/2018 in the mountainous regions of Hindu-Kush is responsible for the severe drought that hit Afghanistan in the first half of 2018, particularly over the northwestern regions. These semi-arid/arid areas rely heavily on rain and melted snow flowing from the mountains for the majority of their water resources. As most of Western Afghanistan does not receive any precipitation between June and October, the lack of it in earlier months compromises water supply for the rest of the year.

• The drought caused losses to the rural communities (70% of population live in rural areas) and forced people to move toward makeshift camps and cities, to avoid famine.