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Severe storms, heavy rain, and a rain-triggered landslide have killed at least nine children across southern and eastern Afghanistan, officials confirmed on Wednesday.
The deadly weather has also caused widespread damage to homes, roads, and markets, as large parts of the country face extreme winter conditions.
Six Children Killed in Kandahar Storms
In Kandahar province, strong winds and heavy rain killed six children on Wednesday, according to the provincial emergency department.
Officials said the storms caused major financial losses in several districts. Many homes suffered damage as roofs collapsed and walls gave way under the force of the wind.
Emergency teams are still assessing the full scale of the destruction in affected areas.
Landslide Kills Three Children in Nuristan
In a separate incident, a landslide triggered by heavy rainfall struck a house in Quraish village in Nuristan province, eastern Afghanistan.
The landslide killed three children from the same family and injured two others.
“Two 10-year-old girls and a teenage boy were killed,” said Fraidoon Samim, a spokesman for the Nuristan provincial government.
Local residents said the family had little time to escape as the ground collapsed during the night.
Heavy Snow Paralyzes Central Afghanistan
Meanwhile, heavy snowfall has disrupted daily life in several parts of the country.
In Ghazni province, about 80 centimetres (31 inches) of snow fell within 24 hours, according to an AFP correspondent.
The snow forced the closure of markets and blocked key roads, cutting off villages and limiting access to food and fuel.
In Kabul and other provinces, icy roads have led to multiple traffic accidents.
Ongoing Weather Risks
Afghanistan often faces deadly floods, landslides, and storms, especially in remote areas with weak infrastructure.
Poor drainage systems, fragile housing, and limited emergency services leave many communities highly vulnerable to extreme weather.
Officials have warned residents to remain cautious as forecasts predict continued snow and rain in the coming days.
Humanitarian groups say the country’s ongoing economic hardship makes recovery even more difficult for affected families.
