At least five people have lost their lives and dozens of homes and businesses have been damaged after severe floods, storms, and landslides struck several provinces across Afghanistan over the past 48 hours, according to officials from the country's disaster management authorities.

Hafiz Mohammad Yusuf Hammad, spokesman for Afghanistan's disaster management agency, confirmed that the deadly weather affected at least eight provinces, including Kabul, Zabul, Kandahar, Samangan, Takhar, Nangarhar, Laghman, and Kunar.

According to the official, intense rainfall and powerful storms triggered flash floods and landslides that swept through residential areas, causing casualties and widespread destruction. Emergency teams have been deployed to assess the damage and assist affected communities.

The severe weather partially damaged at least 30 residential houses and 15 commercial shops, leaving many families and business owners facing significant losses. Authorities warned that the number of damaged structures could rise as assessment teams continue surveying remote and mountainous areas.

Infrastructure across several provinces also suffered substantial damage. Officials reported that approximately 86 kilometers of roads were destroyed, disrupting transportation links and isolating some communities. In addition, a water supply network and a bridge were completely destroyed, further complicating relief efforts and access to essential services.

The latest disaster highlights Afghanistan's vulnerability to extreme weather events. The country frequently experiences devastating floods, particularly during periods of heavy seasonal rainfall, while years of conflict, limited infrastructure development, and economic hardship have reduced communities' ability to withstand natural disasters.

Experts have warned that climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events across Afghanistan. Flash floods, droughts, landslides, and severe storms have become more common in recent years, posing growing risks to livelihoods, agriculture, and critical infrastructure.

Humanitarian organizations have repeatedly stressed the need for greater investment in disaster preparedness, flood protection measures, and resilient infrastructure to help vulnerable communities cope with recurring natural disasters.

Local authorities continue to monitor weather conditions and have urged residents in flood-prone and mountainous areas to remain vigilant as rescue and recovery operations proceed across the affected provinces.

The full extent of the damage is still being assessed, and officials have not ruled out the possibility that the death toll could rise as more information becomes available from remote districts impacted by the storms and flooding. (ILKHA)