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Description of the crisis
In early April 2024, Afghanistan experienced heavy rainfall that continued until mid-May 2024, leading to severe flash floods across 33 of its 34 provinces. These floods directly impacted over 280,000 individuals and placed an estimated 1 million people at risk, resulting in at least 300 fatalities. The disaster caused extensive damage, affecting approximately 40,500 homes 14,200 of which were completely destroyed, and 26,300 partially damaged. In addition to residential destruction, critical infrastructure and agricultural lands also suffered significant devastation, with around 184,200 hectares of farmland affected. The loss of livestock has further compounded the economic challenges faced by the affected communities. Although the floodwaters have since receded, the repercussions of the disaster remain severe. Many displaced families are currently seeking shelter with relatives or residing in tents after losing their homes. The situation has been exacerbated by a rise in waterborne illnesses, particularly diarrhea and skin infections, in the flood-affected regions. Health authorities are actively monitoring the situation and implementing preventive measures to curb the spread of these diseases.
In response to the devastating floods, the Afghan Red Crescent Society (ARCS) mobilized its volunteers and staff across the affected provinces. Supported by the Red Cross and Red Crescent (RCRC) Movement and other partners, ARCS provided emergency humanitarian assistance, including search and rescue operations, first aid, psychosocial support, dignity kits, multipurpose cash, food, and health services.
The IFRC allocated CHF 750,000 from its Disaster Response Emergency Fund (DREF) to support ARCS in carrying out immediate life-saving activities and launched an Emergency Appeal to deliver multisectoral assistance to 20,000 households in the 14 most affected provinces: Badakhshan, Baghlan, Farah, Ghor, Helmand, Herat, Kandahar, Kunar, Laghman, Nimruz, Parwan, Takhar, Uruzgan, and Zabul. The IFRC also released 2,570 emergency shelter and household item packages from its prepositioned stock, with additional support provided by other Movement partners.