Nearly 3 Million Displaced in Afghanistan Due to Climate Disasters, Warns IOM
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has reported that nearly 3 million people have been displaced in Afghanistan due to climate-related disasters since 2021, with an alarming 11 million still at risk, Khaama Press reported. The IOM’s findings reveal that approximately 9 million Afghans have faced climate-related hazards in the past year alone, resulting in over 500,000 displacements caused by floods, droughts, and other natural calamities.
In a statement released on February 27, the IOM highlighted that nearly 988,000 individuals experienced temporary displacement in 2024 due to various climate events. Additionally, the report documented around 400,000 instances of property damage and loss of shelter, alongside 14,000 injuries or fatalities linked to natural disasters.
The IOM warned that vulnerable provinces such as Ghor, Jawzjan, and Khost are particularly at risk, with 92% of villages lacking access to emergency services and 46% facing healthcare challenges. Mihyung Park, head of the IOM office in Afghanistan, noted that despite the country’s minimal contribution to global carbon emissions, it ranks among the top ten most vulnerable nations to climate change.
Recent heavy rainfall and flooding in provinces like Farah and Kandahar have resulted in significant loss of life, further underscoring the urgent need for international support and climate resilience initiatives in Afghanistan.
