Flash update on flooding in Afghanistan (22 May - 1 June 2026)

Since 22 May 2026, heavy rainfall has triggered flash floods across northern and north-eastern Afghanistan, including in Samangan, Baghlan, Badakhshan, Kunduz and Takhar provinces. The floods have affected approximately 682 families, claimed 11 lives and injured four people.

Community rapid needs assessments completed on 26 May identified urgent humanitarian needs, with women and girls among the most vulnerable. Displacement, damaged health facilities and disrupted access routes can limit access to essential sexual and reproductive health services, including maternal healthcare. The loss of privacy, safe shelter and community support networks may also increase protection risks, including gender-based violence, while adolescent girls and women may face challenges accessing menstrual health supplies and other basic necessities.

In response to the flooding, UNFPA has supported inter-agency rapid needs assessments across affected provinces and deployed mobile health teams, reaching 2,450 people, including 1,699 women and girls, with primary healthcare, reproductive health services, and psychosocial support. UNFPA supplied emergency health commodities such as maternal and newborn health kits and clean delivery kits, and distributed hygiene and dignity kits to women and girls. UNFPA has also provided psychological first aid and psychosocial support through trained female counsellors.