Fri Jan 02 01:06:07 UTC 2026: Here’s a summary of the text, followed by a rewritten news article:
Summary:
Heavy rains and snowfall have ended a prolonged dry spell in Afghanistan but have also caused severe flash floods in multiple regions. As of January 1, 2026, at least 17 people have died and 11 injured. The floods have disrupted daily life, damaged infrastructure, killed livestock, and affected 1,800 families. The UN warns that Afghanistan remains in a major humanitarian crisis and has launched a $1.7 billion appeal for aid. Afghanistan’s vulnerability to extreme weather is exacerbated by conflict, poor infrastructure, deforestation, and climate change.
News Article:
Afghanistan Reels from Deadly Flash Floods After Heavy Rains
Kabul, Afghanistan – January 2, 2026 – Afghanistan is grappling with the devastating effects of flash floods triggered by recent heavy rains and snowfall. At least 17 people have been confirmed dead and 11 injured as of Thursday, January 1st, according to the National Disaster Management Authority.
The floods, which followed a prolonged period of drought, have impacted regions across central, northern, southern, and western Afghanistan, disrupting daily life and causing widespread damage. A particularly tragic incident occurred in Kabkan, Herat province, where a roof collapse claimed the lives of five family members, including two children.
“The floods have not only caused loss of life and injuries, but have also damaged critical infrastructure, killed livestock, and impacted the livelihoods of 1,800 families,” said Mohammad Yousaf Hammad, a spokesman for the National Disaster Management Authority. He added that assessment teams have been deployed to the worst-affected areas to evaluate the full extent of the damage and determine the immediate needs of the affected population.
The disaster comes as the United Nations warns that Afghanistan is facing one of the world’s largest humanitarian crises. The UN launched a $1.7 billion appeal on Tuesday to provide urgent assistance to nearly 18 million people across the country.
Decades of conflict, inadequate infrastructure, deforestation, and the escalating impacts of climate change have left Afghanistan particularly vulnerable to extreme weather events like these flash floods. The situation is further compounded by the prevalence of poorly constructed homes in remote areas, offering little protection against sudden deluges. Aid agencies are working to provide relief, but the challenges are immense as the country faces a long road to recovery.
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