Afghanistan: Drought Monitoring – May 2024 Overview: Afghanistan continues to grapple with a prolonged and severe drought, with devastating consequences for the country’s population and economy. The latest monitoring data released in May 2024 indicates that the situation remains critical and is likely to worsen in the coming months. Rainfall Patterns: Rainfall levels during the recent winter and spring seasons have been significantly below average, with some areas receiving less than half of their normal precipitation. This has led to a sharp decline in water availability for agriculture, livestock, and household needs. Impact on Agriculture: The drought has had a disastrous impact on Afghanistan’s agricultural sector. Crops have failed in many areas, and livestock herds have been decimated due to lack of water and pasture. The country is facing a severe food security crisis, with millions of people at risk of starvation. Water Scarcity: Water scarcity is a major concern, as rivers and underground water sources are rapidly drying up. Many communities are forced to rely on unsafe water sources, which increases the risk of waterborne diseases. Displacement and Migration: The drought has also led to widespread displacement, with people fleeing their homes in search of food and water. The number of internally displaced persons (IDPs) is expected to rise in the coming months. Response: The government of Afghanistan and humanitarian organizations are working to respond to the drought crisis. Efforts include food distributions, cash assistance, water and sanitation programs, and agricultural support. However, the scale of the crisis is overwhelming, and funding shortfalls are hindering the response. Outlook: The drought is expected to continue for the foreseeable future, with limited chances of significant rainfall in the near term. This means that the humanitarian crisis is likely to intensify, and the need for assistance will remain high. Call for Action: The urgent need for international humanitarian assistance is undeniable. The international community must provide financial and logistical support to scale up response efforts and mitigate the devastating consequences of the drought on the people of Afghanistan.Rainfall and PrecipitationRainfall and Precipitation Heavy rainfall during the period of April to mid-May has significantly improved precipitation levels across the country. In the south and southeast regions, seasonal rainfall totals have reached 110 to 125 percent of the long-term average. Other areas have experienced precipitation ranging from average to below average, with totals between 75 and 110 percent of the 40-year norm. Wheat Harvesting Wheat harvesting typically begins in the second week of April in the southeast and east regions. However, heavy rainfall since April and saturated soils have delayed the harvest by two to three weeks in several areas. According to reports, harvesting has commenced in the south, east, and southeast regions. Climate Outlook Currently, ENSO-neutral conditions are expected to transition to La Niña conditions from August to October 2024, with a 75% probability. Disclaimer Source: United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) Disclaimer: For more information on OCHA’s operations, visit https://www.unocha.org/.Afghanistan Faces Severe Drought Conditions May 2024 Kabul, Afghanistan – The Afghanistan National Disaster Management Authority (ANDMA) has issued a warning about the severe drought conditions currently affecting the country. According to the authority, the drought has already impacted over 27 million people and is expected to worsen in the coming months. The drought has been caused by a combination of factors, including low rainfall, high temperatures, and lack of access to water. As a result, crops have failed, livestock have died, and water resources have dried up. The drought is having a devastating impact on the Afghan population. Food shortages are widespread, and many people are at risk of malnutrition. The lack of water is also leading to health problems, such as diarrhea and cholera. The Afghan government is working to provide assistance to those affected by the drought. However, the limited resources of the government make it difficult to meet the needs of the population. International organizations are also providing aid to Afghanistan. The United Nations has allocated $100 million to help the country cope with the drought. Other countries, such as the United States and the United Kingdom, are also providing support. The drought in Afghanistan is a humanitarian crisis. The international community must continue to provide assistance to the Afghan government and people to help them cope with this devastating event.