Beginning on January 10, 2008, one of Afghanistan’s deadliest blizzards in recorded history swept through much of the country. Temperatures dropped to –30 °C in some areas, paralyzing transportation and isolating mountain villages. Over 900 people were confirmed dead, and tens of thousands of livestock perished, devastating rural livelihoods. Entire regions were cut off as heavy snow buried roads and blocked access to food and medical supplies. The disaster exposed the country’s limited infrastructure and poor emergency preparedness. It also spurred new discussions among aid groups about climate resilience in Afghanistan’s mountainous provinces.
