A nation enfeebled over decades of conflict and socio-economic challenges, the latest blow to Afghanistan has come from mother nature, in a wave of disastrous floods. The floods have left a trail of destruction impacting thousands of children and their families. This piece details what caused the floods and the effects of the floods in Pakistan, while emphasizing the urgent requirement for global support and long-term solutions for preventing future disasters.
Contents
Geographical and Climatic conditions in Afghanistan
The main characteristic of Afghanistan is a mountainous terrain and dry climate. But it is also a place of seasonal rains, which, if especially heavy, can quickly turn into sudden and devastating floods, particularly between spring and summer. The country is a mix of narrow valleys and deforested areas, which only made the floods horrible. Unpredictable weather patterns due to climate change in recent years have equally increased the number and the severity of these natural disasters.
Recent Flood Events
Over the last several months, a number of deadly flood have taken place in different parts of latoto Afghanistan. In many provinces, the floods have been caused by heavy rainfall and rapid snowmelt in the mountains, river banks have been washed away and whole villages have flooded. Whole villages have been inundated and infrastructure washed away in provinces such as Parwan, Kapisa and Nangarhar.
The Impact on Children
Physical Health and Safety
Flooding has disastrous effects on children, who are amongst the most affected in flood scenarios. Immediate Dangers: Drowning, debris related injuries, water-bourne diseases. In numerous countries, healthcare facilities are damaged or out of reach due to conflict, leaving millions of children bereft of access to lifesaving medical treatment. The lack of clean water and food also promotes malnutrition and dehydration.
Psychological Trauma
The mental health effect on children is tremendous. Their homes are destroyed, families are dead. This trauma can lead to serious mental health problems, such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), that can last a lifetime. These conditions are further compounded by the loss of stable environment and routine as schools and community centers have been damaged or destroyed.
Displacement and Education
The floods have displaced thousands of families who have moved to temporary camps or to homes of their relatives. The displacement blows the education of the children as the schools are either locked or are utilized as camps. This not only puts a strike on their education but their basic necessity of normal and security.
What are the causes behind the flooding in Afghanistan?
Flooding in Afghanistan occurs frequently due to several factors:
Rising global temperatures lead to global weirding in the form of more erratic and extreme weather trends known as climate change. In Afghanistan, this translated to increase in the number of heavier rainfall events and a more rapid snow melt, which lead to heightened flood risks.
Deforestation: Afghanistan, as with much of the world, has experience significant deforestation due to cutting forests for fuel and for agriculture. The trees are important in not only the use as boats, but also in abosrbing the rainfall and decreasing the soil erosion. That leads to more water going into our streams and rivers, and less being absorbed by wetland plants, he said, which when gone, means water will run off in a rush leaving rivers more vulnerable to flooding.
Weak infrastructure: Infrastructure in Afghanistan is frequently inadequate to withstand natural disasters. Drainage is generally poor, and structures are often not designed to cope with the severe conditions.
Socio-Economic Factors: Enduring conflict and harsh economic circumstances in Afghanistan severely limit the construction and sustenance of infrastructure. Once again, however, people live in these low-lying areas not by choice, but rather because they are unable to afford to leave to find safer ground.
Relief Efforts and Challenges
Government Response
Despite its scarce resources, the Afghan government has been trying to provide assistance to families affected in the floods. Their activities range from handing out food, clean water, and medicine. Nevertheless, the magnitude of the disaster has quickly surpassed local resources and requires urgent international assistance.
International Aid
International organizations and some other countries have offered to help. In relief operations, the United Nations has also participated well with various NGOs. This could involve the creation of stop-gap homes, medical assistance, and provision of basic necessities. The United States, Germany, and Japan have additionally committed significant donated money and supplies to aid the flood victims.
Challenges in Delivering Aid
Afghanistan is a difficult place to deliver aid. Reaching remote areas is difficult because the country has mountainous and daunting terrains and the infrastructure has been decimated. Further, escalating conflict, and security threats risk aid worker as well. The efforts to make sure it gets to those in need continue.
Long-Term Solutions
While it is true that immediate relief is needed, equal attention should be paid to longer term solutions to reduce the impacts of future floods. These include:
Upgradation of infrastructures: Investing in robust infrastructures like improved drainage system and flood barriers can actually help in minimising the aftermath of floods. It also means reconstructing and reinforcing existing facilities to withstand the destructive forces of natural disasters.
Reforestation Programs: Restoring the forests can elude soil erosion and slow down the runoff in heavy rains. Introducing large-scale tree planting initiatives could provide a more sustainable way to reduce flooding.
Community Education and Preparedness: We provide flood risk and preparedness educational resources to communities to save lives. This will involve training on evacuation routes, first aid and the necessity to maintain clean water sources.
Mitigation of climate changeBecause natural disasters are so severe and come more often, it is a good thing to tackle the root causes of climate change in order to reduce the frequency and intensity of natural disasters. It is worldwide initiatives to lower carbon dioxide discharges, to mobilze the green motion.
Amina’s Story
In this photo taken Monday, April 15, 2019, young Amina, 10, right, from Parwan province, recollects a night when the floods swept into her village. The water came with a tremendous bang while we were fast asleep. My dad got us out of bed, we go out to the little hill. She says: “When we turned our back, our house had disappeared. Amina and her family are now living in the Sugha camp, in makeshift tents that have been provided, surviving through aid. She misses school and her friends and the fear of the unknown is overwhelming.
Rahim’s Story
Floods washed away the younger brother of 12-year-old boy Rahim, from Kapisa. He played outside when the water came. “By the time we did, it was too late,” he shares with tears in his eyes. Rahim has given up the “luxury” of learning – he now helps his parents in the camp, collecting water and food. Haunted by the trauma of losing his brother, he must fight to find hope in a time of chaos.
If The flood in Afghanistan would be controlled using Technology. This includes:
Early Warning Systems: Developing sophisticated early warning systems that enable warnings about potential floods to be issued well in advance, giving communities time to flee and take shelter.
Drones and Satellite ImageryDrones and existing satellite data can assist in determining the scale of flood damages and any areas requiring urgent attention.
Mobile Apps: Real-time Mobile Applications that allow constant flood-risk information, safe routes & emergency contacts will create a holesome difference to save lives.
Conclusion
Afghanistan has experienced devastating flooding, leaving children at great risk. While the immediate aid operations are key to saving lives, long-term systemic issues must also be tackled in order to minimize the threat from future flood events. This requires international support and cooperation. Investing in Resilient Infrastructure, Promoting Reforestation, Harnessing Technology all are key, secure and a brighter future for Afghanistan Children. If you like reading this article then please consider reading our article about Bir Pletok.
