UN-Habitat Warns of Increasing Climate Shocks Threatening Afghanistan

The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) has warned that climate shocks are intensifying and Afghanistan remains highly vulnerable to natural disasters that are becoming more widespread and destructive each year.

According to a report from UN-Habitat, more than 31,000 people across 28 provinces were affected by flash floods in 2025. These floods destroyed homes, submerged agricultural lands and damaged local infrastructure. The agency stated that the vulnerability of infrastructure to climate change increases the risk of such disasters recurring.

UN-Habitat said in a statement: "Climate shocks are increasing. Infrastructure must be resilient. In 2025, over 31,000 people in Afghanistan, in 28 provinces were affected by flash floods."

Meanwhile, the UN Special Trust Fund for Afghanistan stated that it is coordinating with partners on a coherent approach to address the consequences of these crises. The focus is on strengthening community resilience, reducing long-term damages and supporting sustainable reconstruction in vulnerable sectors.

The fund said: "Adapting to climate change requires systemic actions. With the UN Special Trust Fund for Afghanistan and its partners, we are developing a coordinated approach that strengthens reduction of long-term damages and supports sustainable reconstruction."

However, residents in flood-affected areas report that aid has been limited and insufficient. They complain of shortages of food, shelter and basic facilities, and call for urgent assistance.

A flood victim in Farah province said: "When the flood came near us, we suffered heavy losses. Now we have many problems. They gave us two sacks of flour and two tents. That's all. We are 15 people; what can two tents do? The flood took everything we had."

Another victim in Badghis province said: "The flood took our homes; we couldn't salvage anything, we left empty-handed. Everything is buried under mud, and no aid has reached us yet. The flood took our land and trees, and no help arrived."

International organizations report that floods, heavy rains, storms and climate fluctuations in 2025 caused deaths, injuries and infrastructure damage across the country.

The International Organization for Migration previously stated that nearly 400,000 people had been displaced by droughts and floods, with more than five million directly affected.

Environmental experts warn that without urgent investments in water resource management, resilient infrastructure and climate adaptation programs, Afghanistan will remain trapped in a cycle of recurring natural crises threatening thousands of families each year.