White Disaster in the Heart of Asia: Afghan Snowfall Toll Surpasses 60

The National Disaster Management Authority, operating under the de facto government, confirmed today, Sunday, January 25, 2026 (5 Dalw 1404), that the recent wave of snow and rain has swept through 15 provinces including Bamyan, Ghor, Nuristan, Faryab, and Ghazni. Beyond the 61 deceased, over 110 people have been injured due to roof collapses, avalanches, and road accidents. The cold is so severe in mountainous areas that livestock owners have lost hundreds of animals, a devastating blow to rural livelihoods.

Field reports indicate at least 458 homes have been partially or completely destroyed. In Nuristan, landslides and avalanches claimed several children’s lives and cut off districts from the provincial center. Rescue teams are struggling with limited resources to reach remote areas, but heavy storms at high passes are hindering progress. Many residents in earthquake-affected areas like Herat, still living in tents or containers, are facing the harshest winter conditions in years.

The strategic Salang Highway remains closed to heavy vehicles, with snow depth exceeding 4 meters in some spots. This blockage has caused a sharp spike in fuel and food prices in Kabul. Meanwhile, international humanitarian agencies like UNICEF have warned of rising respiratory illnesses among displaced children. Many families in remote areas lack fuel and medicine, and without urgent intervention, the death toll among vulnerable populations is expected to rise.

In the capital, Kabul, despite a slight dip in oil prices compared to last week, the cost of heating is prohibitive for most. Unemployment and absolute poverty have forced many to burn plastic and trash for warmth, causing severe air pollution and health issues. While local authorities claim emergency distribution has begun, the scale of need far exceeds available resources as Afghanistan faces a grim winter in 2026.