The 2024 Afghanistan–Pakistan Floods

Abstract

In 2024, Afghanistan and Pakistan experienced catastrophic flooding due to hefty rainfall,
leading to significant loss of life, displacement, and economic hardship. This report examines
the causes, impacts, and responses to the 2024 floods, highlighting the region's urgent need for
enhanced disaster preparedness and climate resilience. Background research on climate
change, environmental degradation, disaster management, and economic implications provides
a deeper understanding of the disaster's far-reaching consequences.

1. Introduction

Flooding is a recurrent natural disaster in South Asia, often resulting in extensive human and
economic losses. Afghanistan and Pakistan are particularly vulnerable due to their geographical
and climatic conditions. The 2024 floods were among the worst in recent history, with thousands
of casualties and widespread devastation. Understanding the causes and impacts of these
floods is crucial for formulating effective mitigation and adaptation strategies.

2. Background Research

2.1. Overview of Disasters

Disasters can be broadly categorized into natural and man-made events. Natural disasters
include earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, droughts, tsunamis, and wildfires, each causing
widespread damage depending on severity and location. Climate change has exacerbated
many of these disasters, increasing their frequency and intensity. Man-made disasters, such as
industrial accidents, oil spills, nuclear accidents, and armed conflicts, also contribute
significantly to global crises, affecting millions of lives.

Disasters disrupt economic activities, displace populations, and pose significant challenges to
governments and relief organizations. Understanding the various types of disasters and their
impacts is crucial in developing effective disaster preparedness and management strategies.

2.2. Climate Change and Extreme Weather Events

Climate change has significantly altered global weather patterns, increasing the frequency and
intensity of extreme weather events. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)
has warned that rising global temperatures contribute to heavier rainfall and prolonged wet
seasons in many regions. South Asia, in particular, has seen an increase in erratic monsoon
patterns, leading to both droughts and floods.
Studies indicate that warmer air holds more moisture, leading to more intense precipitation. In
Afghanistan and Pakistan, where infrastructure and urban planning are often inadequate,
extreme weather events exacerbate existing vulnerabilities.

2.3. Environmental Degradation and Flood Risk

Deforestation, soil erosion, and poor land management contribute significantly to increased
flood risk. The removal of vegetation in hilly and mountainous regions reduces the land's ability
to absorb rainfall, leading to higher runoff and more severe flooding. In Pakistan, large-scale
deforestation in the northern regions has increased vulnerability to landslides and flash floods.

Additionally, unplanned urbanization has led to the encroachment of settlements into

floodplains, reducing natural water drainage and increasing flood hazards. Poor waste
management and blocked drainage systems further aggravate urban flooding in cities like Kabul
and Karachi.

2.4. Disaster Management Framework in South Asia

Both Afghanistan and Pakistan have national disaster management authorities tasked with
responding to natural disasters. However, limited resources, bureaucratic inefficiencies, and
inadequate early warning systems hinder effective disaster preparedness and response.

Pakistan's National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and Afghanistan's National

Disaster Management Authority (ANDMA) coordinate relief efforts during disasters. However,
their capacity is often overwhelmed during large-scale events like the 2024 floods.
Strengthening institutional frameworks and improving regional cooperation are essential for
better disaster management.

2.5. Economic Impacts of Floods

Flooding has severe economic consequences, particularly in agriculture-dependent economies

like Afghanistan and Pakistan. The destruction of crops, livestock, and infrastructure leads to
food shortages, inflation, and economic instability. The World Bank estimates that
climate-related disasters cost Pakistan an average of $3.8 billion annually.

In Afghanistan, where the economy is already fragile due to ongoing conflict and instability,
floods further strain resources and hinder development. The loss of homes, businesses, and
critical infrastructure exacerbates poverty and food insecurity.

3. Meteorological Overview of the 2024 Floods

The 2024 flood season was marked by an unusual pattern of heavy rainfall beginning in early
March and extending into September. Meteorologists attributed this to:

●​ La Niña Effect: A cooling phase in the Pacific Ocean, which can lead to abnormal
monsoon activity in South Asia.
 ●​ Higher-than-average Monsoon Rains: Persistent low-pressure systems over the Indian
Ocean led to prolonged and intense rainfall.
●​ Glacial Melt: Rising temperatures contributed to increased glacial melt in the Himalayas,
adding to river swelling and flash floods.

These factors combined to create a perfect storm for devastating flooding across Afghanistan
and Pakistan.

4. Impact Assessment

4.1. Human Casualties and Displacement

The floods had a profound human toll:

●​ Afghanistan: Approximately 700 deaths, with May being the deadliest month (540
deaths). Over 2,000 people sustained injuries.
●​ Pakistan: 384 deaths, with August accounting for 245 fatalities. 540 people were injured
across multiple provinces.

Hundreds of thousands of people were displaced, with many forced to seek shelter in temporary
relief camps. The lack of clean water and sanitation in these camps led to outbreaks of
waterborne diseases, worsening the humanitarian crisis.

4.2. Infrastructure Damage

Floods caused widespread damage to:

●​ Roads and Bridges: Key transportation networks were washed away, disrupting relief
efforts.
●​ Homes and Businesses: Entire neighbourhoods were submerged, with poor and
marginalized communities bearing the brunt of the destruction.
●​ Power and Communication Networks: Electricity outages and loss of communication
hampered rescue operations.

4.3. Agricultural Losses and Food Security

●​ Afghanistan: Over 200,000 acres of farmland were destroyed, leading to food

shortages.
●​ Pakistan: Major wheat and rice crops were lost, causing price hikes and food insecurity.

5. Response and Relief Efforts

5.1. Government Response

Both Afghanistan and Pakistan mobilized emergency response units, deploying military and
civilian agencies for rescue operations. The Pakistani government announced a relief package
for flood victims, while Afghanistan relied heavily on international aid due to its weaker
economic capacity.

5.2. International Aid and NGO Involvement

International organizations such as the United Nations, the Red Cross, and various NGOs
provided relief in the form of food, medicine, and temporary shelters. However, logistical
challenges and political instability hampered aid distribution, particularly in Afghanistan.

5.3. Challenges in Relief Operations

●​ Lack of Coordination: Multiple agencies working independently led to duplication of

efforts and gaps in service delivery.
●​ Limited Resources: Governments struggled to provide adequate financial and logistical
support.
●​ Security Concerns: In conflict-affected regions, aid workers faced threats, making relief
distribution difficult.

6. Lessons Learned and Recommendations

6.1. Strengthening Disaster Preparedness

●​ Improve early warning systems to provide timely alerts.

●​ Conduct regular risk assessments and disaster drills.
●​ Increase public awareness about flood preparedness measures.

6.2. Enhancing Environmental Protection

●​ Implement large-scale reforestation programs to reduce soil erosion.

●​ Strengthen laws against illegal deforestation and land encroachment.
●​ Improve urban drainage systems to prevent waterlogging.

6.3. Regional Cooperation and Policy Frameworks

●​ Establish joint disaster management initiatives between Afghanistan and Pakistan.

●​ Improve cross-border data sharing on weather patterns.
●​ Secure long-term international funding for flood mitigation projects.

7. Conclusion

The 2024 Afghanistan–Pakistan floods serve as a stark reminder of the increasing threats
posed by climate change and environmental mismanagement. While immediate relief efforts
helped mitigate some suffering, long-term strategies are essential to build resilience against
future disasters. A combination of improved disaster preparedness, sustainable environmental
policies, and regional cooperation will be key to preventing similar catastrophes.

8. Resources
 1.​ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yfQOEY0vhcc
2.​ https://www.newsminimalist.com/articles/india-faces-deadly-natural-disasters-in-2024-inc
luding-cyclone-remal-and-wayanad-landslides-977c1618
3.​ https://newsminimalist.com/articles/india-faces-a-year-of-tragedy-with-deadly-accidents-
and-disasters-in-2024-d874bad5
4.​ https://www.wionews.com/world/year-in-review-from-floods-in-afghanistan-to-typhoon-ya
gi-the-deadliest-natural-disasters-in-2024-786420
5.​ https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/cyclone-remal-to-wayanad-landslides-natura
l-disasters-that-wreaked-havoc-in-india-in-2024-101735357285216.html
6.​ https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/cyclone-remal-to-wayanad-landslides-natura
l-disasters-that-wreaked-havoc-in-india-in-2024-101735357285216-amp.html
7.​ https://nationalcourrier.com/2024/12/30/year-end-review-2024-devastating-disasters-and
-human-tragedies-worldwide/
8.​ https://nationalcourrier.com/2024/12/27/the-10-deadliest-natural-disasters-of-2024/
9.​ https://theprint.in/india/2803-people-lost-lives-during-2024-25-in-hydro-meteorological-di
sasters-govt/2385654/
10.​https://akipress.com/news%3A786957%3AKyrgyzstan_registers_2%2C169_man-made_
disasters_in_2024/
11.​https://dailytrust.com/global-tragedies-of-2024/

9. Group Work

9.1 Research -
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Ly-T0dH9HfqvFb2TGSpgbLAYL232kR0fgWNY7y3IYjQ/e
dit?tab=t.0

9.2 Old PowerPoint -

https://www.canva.com/design/DAGaYhuGtak/d-xboBjXfjRAM65tIQV1eQ/edit?utm_content=DA
GaYhuGtak&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=sharebutton