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Avalanche in the Pamir Mountain Range

Geographical Impact

Avalanches are a common hydro-meteorological hazard affecting many areas of Afghanistan. 9 of the 34 Provinces are classed as high avalanche risk (including Panjshir, Badakhshan, Bamyan) and 14 at medium risk. The avalanches in February 2015 were the worst to affect Afghanistan in over 30 years. Following an unusually dry, mild winter an unprecedented amount of snow fell over 48 hours, 6 feet in places, that blocked roads connecting 20 valleys.

In Afghanistan's mountain ranges around 80% of annual precipitation falls as snow. The region affected was at the juncture between the Hindu Kush and Pamir mountains where the topography and climate undoubtedly contributed to the disaster. The region’s characteristics include high-angled slopes, 7000m peaks, deep gorges, and steep sided valleys, major snowstorms and avalanches are commonplace. The steep slopes facilitate the accumulation of snow, several active fault lines can trigger seismic activity dislodging snow slabs, and variations in temperature at the rock/ice interface cause the ice to melt improving the glide of the snow. These factors increase the probability of avalanche especially when coupled with unusually heavy snowfall. Reports from the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies have suggested the winter season is getting longer, previously ending in January it now extends into March. Rising temperatures due to climate change might reduce the risk of avalanche in lower regions, but higher areas are likely to be at greater risk due to increased snowfall.

Flood plain cultivation, Wahkan Afganistan

Snowmelt in spring and summer sustains the agriculture that Afghanistan's rural populations rely on. Traditionally valley bottoms are reserved for farming and rural communities inhabit villages on slopes at risk of avalanche. Reports suggest 250,000 Afghans per year are displaced by natural disasters, but it seems communities in high risk avalanche areas are unaware of the severity of their situation, cannot afford to move or find alternative land to settle on. This leaves many in vulnerable circumstances.

Mountain village, Salang Pass