Comprehensive Flood Impact and Multi-Sector Assessment Report

Badghis Province, Afghanistan (Qala’e Naw, Muqur, Bala Murghab, Ab Kamari, Qadis)

Assessment Dates: 23–24 April 2026
Conducted by: Saifrood Unity and Aid Organization (SUAO)

Executive Summary

Following heavy and sustained rainfall across western Afghanistan, severe flooding has affected multiple districts of Badghis Province, including Qala’e Naw, Muqur, Bala Murghab, Ab Kamari, and Qadis. The Saifrood Unity and Aid Organization (SUAO) conducted a comprehensive multi-sector assessment over two days, on 23 and 24 April 2026, to evaluate the humanitarian impact and identify urgent needs.

The findings indicate widespread destruction of residential homes, significant loss of household assets, major disruption to agricultural livelihoods, contamination of water sources, and damage to critical infrastructure. These impacts have further intensified the vulnerability of already at-risk populations.

In parallel, a market assessment was conducted, confirming that markets remain functional but under economic pressure, with rising prices due to regional trade disruptions.

The overall situation constitutes a complex humanitarian emergency requiring urgent, coordinated, and multi-sectoral response.

Assessment Scope and Methodology

The assessment covered key affected areas across Badghis Province, including both urban and rural communities. SUAO teams conducted field visits in Qala’e Naw, Muqur, Bala Murghab, Ab Kamari, and Qadis districts.

The methodology combined direct field observation, interviews with affected households, consultations with community leaders, and on-site inspection of damaged infrastructure, homes, and agricultural land. In addition, SUAO reviewed reports and data from United Nations agencies and humanitarian partners, including OCHA, UNHCR, FAO, WFP, IOM, and ACAPS, to ensure alignment with broader regional analysis.

Impact on Housing and Living Conditions

Urban Impact: Qala’e Naw

In Qala’e Naw, particularly in areas such as the Eidgah Mosque surroundings and the Jar Buzkashi locality, floodwaters entered residential compounds and homes, causing severe structural damage. Many houses built with traditional materials were weakened or partially collapsed due to prolonged exposure to water.

Household assets, including bedding, kitchen equipment, clothing, and essential items, were either destroyed or rendered unusable. Stored food supplies were widely reported to be spoiled or contaminated, leaving many families without sufficient access to food.

Rural Impact: Muqur and Surrounding Districts

In Muqur and other rural districts, the damage was equally severe, with additional impacts related to isolation and limited access to assistance. Many homes were either partially damaged or fully destroyed, forcing families into unsafe living conditions or temporary shelters.

Across both urban and rural settings, a significant number of affected households are now unable to meet basic daily needs, and many remain without adequate shelter.

Livelihoods and Agricultural Impact

Agriculture is the backbone of the local economy in districts such as Muqur, Bala Murghab, and Qadis. The floods have caused widespread damage to agricultural land and productive assets.

Wheat fields, which were at a critical stage of growth, have been destroyed or severely damaged. Cumin crops and orchards have also been affected, while irrigation channels have been blocked or washed away. In some areas, topsoil erosion has reduced the future productivity of farmland.

Livestock losses have further weakened household resilience, removing an important source of income and food.

These findings are consistent with FAO reports, which highlight that flooding at the beginning of the agricultural season can have long-term impacts on food security and economic stability.

Water, Sanitation, and Public Health Concerns

Floodwaters have contaminated drinking water sources, including shallow wells, and have disrupted access to safe water. In several areas, water sources were either damaged or rendered unsafe for consumption.

This situation raises serious concerns regarding the spread of waterborne diseases, particularly in communities where sanitation infrastructure is already weak. Standing water and poor drainage conditions further increase the risk of disease outbreaks.

Without timely intervention, the WASH situation could evolve into a secondary public health crisis.

Infrastructure Damage and Access Constraints

Flooding has caused extensive damage to infrastructure across the assessed areas. Roads connecting villages to district centers have been partially destroyed or made inaccessible, significantly limiting movement.

Access to health services, education facilities, and local markets has been disrupted. In addition, damaged roads and bridges are hindering the delivery of humanitarian assistance to affected communities.

These observations align with OCHA reports indicating widespread infrastructure damage across western Afghanistan, contributing to access constraints for both affected populations and humanitarian actors.

Market Assessment and Economic Conditions

Market Functionality

As part of the assessment, SUAO conducted a detailed market analysis in Qala’e Naw and surrounding districts. The findings indicate that local markets remain operational and continue to supply essential commodities.

Basic goods such as flour, rice, cooking oil, and other household necessities are available in the markets.

Price Trends and Economic Pressure

Despite continued availability, there has been a noticeable increase in prices. This increase is driven not only by local flood impacts but also by broader regional disruptions.

Trade routes between Afghanistan and Iran have been affected due to ongoing geopolitical tensions involving the United States, Israel, and Iran. At the same time, border restrictions and instability along the Afghanistan–Pakistan border have disrupted supply chains.

As a result, transportation costs have increased, and the flow of goods into local markets has slowed. Although goods are still available, affordability has become a major concern for affected households.

This indicates that while markets are functional, purchasing power is declining, and economic vulnerability is increasing.

Regional and National Context

According to OCHA and partner agencies, more than 73,000 people across 31 provinces in Afghanistan have been affected by recent floods. In Badghis Province alone, preliminary UNHCR reports estimate that over 1,400 families have been directly impacted.

These figures are expected to increase as further assessments are conducted.

Humanitarian Response Status

Humanitarian organizations, including IOM, UNHCR, WFP, OCHA, and ANDMA, have initiated emergency response activities in affected areas. These include the distribution of non-food items, temporary shelter assistance, and limited food support.

However, field observations by SUAO indicate that the scale of needs far exceeds the current level of response. Many affected households have not yet received assistance, and existing support is insufficient to meet the growing demand.

Risk Analysis and Future Outlook

If the current situation persists without adequate intervention, there is a high risk of further deterioration. Households that have lost both shelter and livelihoods face increasing vulnerability to food insecurity and economic hardship.

The destruction of agricultural production at the beginning of the planting season suggests that the impact will extend beyond immediate needs and may lead to long-term dependency on assistance.

In addition, deteriorating WASH conditions and limited access to health services increase the likelihood of disease outbreaks.

ACAPS analysis confirms that such conditions significantly raise the risk of a prolonged humanitarian crisis.

Conclusion

The floods in Badghis Province have created a multi-dimensional humanitarian crisis affecting housing, livelihoods, water systems, infrastructure, and local markets. While markets remain functional, rising prices and reduced purchasing power are intensifying the overall impact.

Immediate and coordinated intervention is required to stabilize the situation, address urgent needs, and support early recovery efforts.

Recommendations

SUAO emphasizes the urgent need for expanded humanitarian assistance across all affected districts. Immediate priorities include the provision of food and non-food items, emergency shelter support, and access to safe drinking water.

Support for agricultural recovery is critical, including the distribution of seeds and farming tools to restore livelihoods. Rehabilitation of roads and irrigation systems is also essential to improve access and support economic recovery.

Cash-based assistance may be considered in areas where markets remain functional, provided that price monitoring systems are in place. Strengthened coordination between local authorities, humanitarian organizations, and community structures will be essential for an effective response.

Final Note

This report reflects the combined findings of direct field assessments conducted by the Saifrood Unity and Aid Organization (SUAO) across multiple districts in Badghis Province, alongside analysis of reports from United Nations agencies and humanitarian partners.

It provides a comprehensive and evidence-based overview of the current situation and serves as a foundation for informed decision-making, humanitarian response planning, and resource mobilization.