Afghanistan
Beginning January 10, 2023, Afghanistan was struck by its coldest winter in more than a decade. Temperatures dropped to –33 °C in several provinces, and heavy snow isolated entire villages. More than 160 people died, and approximately 80,000 livestock were lost. The freezing conditions came amid an ongoing humanitarian crisis following the Taliban’s return to power, exacerbating food shortages and poverty. Relief agencies struggled to reach affected areas due to blocked roads and lack of fuel. The cold snap emphasized Afghanistan’s extreme vulnerability to climate and infrastructure challenges.
