Afghanistan has endured decades of conflict and economic decline, leaving its people vulnerable and struggling with extreme poverty. The nation's crippled economy and ongoing turmoil have resulted in a severe lack of investment in infrastructure and disaster risk reduction strategies. This has left Afghan residents ill-prepared to cope with natural disasters, which have been alarmingly frequent this year.
Every year, the country has to contend with flooding, earthquakes, droughts, avalanches, and landslides. Of all the natural disasters in 2023, flooding caused the most destruction. After three years of severe drought, monsoon season, with its heavy rains, caused calamitous flash floods throughout the country. Floods destroyed over 3000 acres of agricultural land and killed over 1000 livestock. For a population so intensely struggling with food insecurity, this exacerbated the already dire situation. In addition, many roads and bridges were washed away and hundreds of homes were damaged or completely lost. Sadly, at least 51 people lost their lives, forever impacting their families left behind.
As climate change intensifies, bringing changed weather patterns and more severe storms, Afghanistan will continue to struggle. Soil degradation has left many once thriving agricultural villages almost empty as the land is now barren. Massive internal displacement of the local population is expected to continue as people leave in search of another livelihood, since they can no longer farm or raise livestock there. The risk of flash floods also intensifies each year.
Life for Relief and Development (LIFE) continues to help support the people of Afghanistan. During the month of July, the flash floods were at their worst because of the monsoon season. Families were left with a very urgent need for life-saving essentials such as food and clean water. From August 13-17, LIFE was able to provide 85 families with substantial food packages in the province of Wardak, one of the hardest hit areas. That means hundreds of people were fed. Thank you to all the generous donors who made this happen. With your continued support, together we will continue profoundly impacting the lives of the world's most vulnerable.
Photo of LIFE team member giving a man food aid and a hug.
