Afghan Children Face Dire Climate Crisis Amidst Ravaging Floods

Tens of thousands of Afghan children are severely affected by ongoing flash floods exacerbated by heavy seasonal rains. UN agencies highlight the mounting climate crisis and call for intensified international support. Meanwhile, hunger crises loom for millions of children due to floods, droughts, and mass returns from neighboring countries.

Tens of thousands of children in Afghanistan remain affected by ongoing flash floods, especially in the north and west, according to the UN children's agency, UNICEF.

Unusually heavy seasonal rains have been wreaking havoc on multiple parts of the country, killing hundreds and destroying property and crops. The UN food agency has warned that many survivors are unable to make a living.

UNICEF stated that the extreme weather highlights an intensifying climate crisis, with some affected areas experiencing drought last year.

The World Food Programme reported that exceptionally heavy rains in Afghanistan killed over 300 people and destroyed thousands of houses in May, predominantly in the northern province of Baghlan. Survivors have been left with no homes, land, or source of livelihood, WFP added.

UNICEF issued a statement on Monday reiterating that tens of thousands of children remain affected by ongoing floods.

"The international community must redouble efforts and investments to support communities to alleviate and adapt to the impact of climate change on children," said Dr. Tajudeen Oyewale, the UNICEF representative in Afghanistan.

"UNICEF and the humanitarian community must prepare ourselves for a new reality of climate-related disasters," Oyewale emphasized.

Afghanistan ranks 15th out of 163 nations in the Children's Climate Risk Index, indicating high vulnerability to climate and environmental shocks, particularly for children.

Last week, Save the Children warned that about 6.5 million Afghan children could face crisis levels of hunger in 2024.

The charity group stated that nearly three out of ten Afghan children will confront crisis or emergency levels of hunger this year, driven by the immediate impact of floods, long-term drought effects, and the mass return of Afghans from Pakistan and Iran.

More than 557,000 Afghans have returned from Pakistan since September 2023 following a crackdown on foreigners, including 1.7 million undocumented Afghans.

(This story has not been edited by Devdiscourse staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)