Over 500,000 Afghans Displaced by Climate Disasters in 2024: IOM Report

More than 500,000 Afghans have been displaced due to climate-related disasters in 2024 according to a report by the International Organisation for Migration (IOM). The report highlights the devastating impact of floods, droughts and extreme weather on Afghanistan one of the world’s poorest and most climate-vulnerable nations.

Details & Context

1. What’s Happening in Afghanistan.?

- Over 500,000 people have been displaced by climate disasters like floods, droughts and storms in 2024.

- Nearly 9 million individuals have been affected by climate hazards in the past 12 months.

2. Where Are People Going.?

- Around 60% of those displaced have relocated within their home provinces.

- Western provinces like Herat and Farah are among the hardest-hit areas.

3. Recent Tragedies

- This week 39 people died due to floods, hail and storms in southwestern Afghanistan, particularly in Farah province.

- These disasters have destroyed homes, farmland and livelihoods pushing communities deeper into poverty.

4. Why Is Afghanistan So Vulnerable.?

- Afghanistan is ranked as the sixth most climate-vulnerable country in the world.

- Decades of war have left the country with limited resources to cope with climate disasters.

- Key threats include droughts, floods, land degradation and declining agricultural productivity.

5. Impact on Livelihoods

- Over 80% of Afghans rely on farming for survival but floods and droughts have devastated agricultural land.

- The IOM estimates that 73% of jobs in Afghanistan are in climate-sensitive sectors like subsistence farming.

6. Lack of Resources

- 92% of villages lack access to emergency services.

- 96% of communities do not have resources for critical measures like early warning systems and search and rescue operations.

7. Future Risks

- The IOM warns that over 11 million people in Afghanistan are at high risk of severe impacts from climate-induced disasters in the future.

Quotes

- IOM Report: “Afghanistan is among the most vulnerable nations to climate change with millions at risk of displacement and food insecurity.”

- A local official: “The recent floods have destroyed everything—our homes, our crops and our hope for the future.”

Additional Information

- Last May flash floods killed hundreds and submerged large areas of farmland, worsening food insecurity.

- The United Nations has called for urgent international support to help Afghanistan adapt to climate change and build resilience.

Impact Analysis

- The displacement of over 500,000 people highlights the urgent need for climate adaptation and disaster preparedness in Afghanistan.

- Without immediate action the country’s already fragile economy and food security will face further collapse.

Afghanistan’s climate crisis is a stark reminder of how vulnerable communities are to the impacts of climate change. As millions struggle to survive, international support and sustainable solutions are critical to helping the country recover and build resilience.

Call to Action (CTA)

- “What can be done to help Afghanistan cope with climate disasters.? Share your thoughts in the comments below.!”

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