A cold snap began in Afghanistan on January 10, 2023. Temperatures reached as low as −33 °C (−27 °F) and snowfall was as high as 30 centimetres (12 in) in more mountainous regions. The cold snap killed at least 160 people, making it the deadliest weather event of 2023 until Cyclone Freddy. Additionally, nearly 80,000 livestock were killed.[1]
Impact
Temperatures fell to a low of −33 °C (−27 °F),[2] with up to 30 centimetres (12 in) of snow in the higher mountain altitudes,[3] directly or indirectly killing at least 162 people in various provinces.[1] At least 140 people using gas for heating were hospitalized for carbon monoxide poisoning in Herat Province.[4] Over 77,000 livestock died due to the weather.[5][6] Over 50 houses were damaged across the country.[7]
Relief
The cold came while Afghanistan was experiencing a famine that affected more than half of the Afghan population. The country had become a pariah state following the 2021 Taliban offensive and the reestablishment of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, leading to limited foreign aid.[2]