Snow, Heavy Rain Kill 61 People Across Afghanistan in Three Days

The Chronify

January 25, 2026

Severe snowfall and heavy rain have left at least 61 people dead across central and northern Afghanistan, with hundreds injured and homes destroyed. Major transport routes and power supplies have been disrupted as authorities warn against travel.

At least 61 people have been killed in Afghanistan over the past three days due to heavy snow and rainfall, disaster officials said on Saturday.

The deaths occurred mainly in central and northern provinces between Wednesday and Friday, according to a map released by Afghanistan’s disaster management authority, ANDMA. The agency said initial figures also show 110 people injured and 458 houses either partially or completely destroyed.

A total of 360 families have been affected, an ANDMA spokesperson said in a video message, urging residents to avoid unnecessary travel on snow-covered roads. The spokesperson told AFP that most fatalities were caused by roof collapses and avalanches, while others died from frostbite amid sub-zero temperatures.

In the southern province of Kandahar, the emergency department reported that six children were killed on Wednesday when the roof of their home collapsed during strong winds and heavy rain. Houses were also damaged in several other districts.

Authorities in Parwan province north of Kabul said the Salang Highway -one of the country’s most critical transport routes linking northern Afghanistan - has been closed due to heavy snowfall. Food supplies were distributed to travelers stranded on a mountain pass in central Bamyan province.

The severe weather also damaged a power transmission line importing electricity from Uzbekistan, leaving households in nearly 12 provinces without electricity.
“The technical teams are ready but cannot reach the area because the Salang pass is blocked,” said Mohammad Sadiq, spokesperson for Afghanistan’s national power utility DABS.

In addition, shops were destroyed and livestock killed in several rural areas. While snowfall and rain can benefit agriculture when managed properly, Afghan media warned that lack of preparedness turns natural weather events into deadly disasters.

According to the United Nations, nearly half of Afghanistan’s population of over 40 million will require humanitarian assistance this year, following a sharp decline in foreign aid.