Despite two decades of US occupation, Afghanistan finds itself grappling with the aftermath of ongoing disasters, exacerbated by the country's weakened infrastructure and vulnerability to climate crises.

According to the UN children's agency, UNICEF, tens of thousands of children in Afghanistan continue to suffer from the effects of persistent flash floods, particularly in the northern and western regions.

Unusually heavy seasonal rains have caused widespread devastation, claiming hundreds of lives and causing extensive damage to property and crops. The UN food agency has warned that many survivors are now struggling to secure a livelihood.

UNICEF has attributed the extreme weather events to an escalating climate crisis, noting that some areas affected by floods this year experienced drought just last year.

The World Food Program (WFP) reported that the heavy rains in May alone resulted in over 300 fatalities and the destruction of thousands of homes, primarily in Baghlan province. Survivors are left homeless and without means of sustenance.

Dr. Tajudeen Oyewale, UNICEF's representative in Afghanistan, emphasized the urgent need for increased support and investment from the international community to address the impact of climate change on Afghan children.

However, Afghanistan's vulnerability to climate-related disasters is further compounded by its ranking of 15th in the Children’s Climate Risk Index. This highlights the heightened risk faced by Afghan children compared to their counterparts globally.

The situation is dire, with approximately 6.5 million children in Afghanistan projected to experience severe hunger in 2024, as reported by Save the Children. The immediate effects of floods, coupled with the long-term consequences of drought and the return of Afghan refugees from neighboring countries, contribute to the escalating humanitarian crisis.