Unprecedented Cold Claims Lives of Over 160 People and Kills 70,000 Domesticated Animals in Afghanistan

In Afghanistan, more than 160 people have died and at least 70,000 domesticated animals have succumbed to unprecedented cold temperatures. In some areas, temperatures have dropped to as low as -34 degrees. According to the Taliban government, most of the deceased are shepherds and villagers who "did not have access to medical assistance." The Taliban administration has clarified that the majority of citizens who have died are shepherds and farmers, "who lacked access to medical care."

Many regions in Afghanistan are now completely cut off due to snow, with most mountain roads impassable. Reports indicate, "vehicles are stuck there, and passengers have died from the cold." Military helicopters are unable to land in high-altitude areas. Residents of the capital of Afghanistan say they have "not received any assistance yet" and cannot afford enough money for bread and firewood, with some resorting to burning plastic to stay warm.

Connectivity between many regions of Afghanistan has been severed due to snow, making travel along mountain roads impossible, and officials explain that "vehicles are stuck and passengers have died due to low temperatures." Many international humanitarian organizations have suspended their operations due to one of the Taliban's controversial decisions banning women from working for non-governmental organizations.