What is the location of the flooding?
Intense rainfall since the start of April 2026 has triggered flash floods and landslides across Pakistan and Afghanistan. In Pakistan, the worst impacts are reported in Balochistan and northern regions, while in Afghanistan, widespread flooding has affected multiple provinces.
Persistent storms and unstable weather conditions continue to elevate flood risks across both countries (1).
Which cities or areas are affected by the flooding?
In Pakistan, affected districts include:
- Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: Chitral, Dera Ismail Khan, Dir, Peshawar and Swat are severely affected.
- Punjab: Rawalpindi.
In Afghanistan, flooding impacts include:
- Central provinces: Daikundi and Maidan Wardak.
- Eastern provinces: Laghman, Nangarhar and Parwan.
- Northern provinces: Badakhshan, Faryab and Samangan.
- Southern province: Kandahar.
What is the current containment status of the flooding?
Containment remains difficult with ongoing rains. Pakistan's PDMA and NDMA have deployed emergency teams on round-the-clock alert with helicopters, boats, and rescue equipment (2).
Afghan authorities have distributed emergency cash assistance and pre-positioned aid in provincial warehouses. The Ministry of Public Works reports several key highways remain closed in northern provinces. Both countries' disaster management authorities continue coordinated rescue and relief operations as rainfall persists (3).
Are there any evacuation orders or alerts in place?
In Pakistan, NDMA has issued warnings for flash floods, GLOFs, and landslides in Gilgit-Baltistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa from April 1-10.
In Balochistan, alerts for hill torrents and seasonal streams are active. Afghan authorities warn of continued risks from heavy rain. Residents are urged to avoid low-lying areas and follow emergency advisories (4).
How can I protect myself from mold after flooding?
It’s important to take steps to prevent mold after a flood.
- Before entering a flooded area, make sure it is safe and free from electrical hazards or structural damage.
- Use protective gear: wear gloves, goggles, and a KN95/FFP2 mask to minimize exposure to mold spores.
- If there is still standing water, remove it as quickly as possible. Use pumps, wet-dry vacuums, or buckets to extract the water.
- Open windows and doors to facilitate air circulation and use fans, dehumidifiers, and HVAC systems to help dry the space. This step is crucial within the first 24-48 hours after flooding to prevent mold growth.
- Remove and discard any items that have been severely damaged by floodwater and cannot be thoroughly cleaned and dried. This includes carpets, upholstered furniture, mattresses, and any other porous materials.
- Thoroughly clean all hard surfaces with a detergent or cleaner suitable for mold remediation. Use a solution of 1.5 cups of bleach mixed with one gallon of water to disinfect nonporous surfaces. Never mix bleach with ammonia or other cleaning products, as the fumes are toxic.
- Maintain an indoor relative humidity (RH) of 35-50%. High humidity promotes mold growth, so consider using dehumidifiers in damp areas.
- Run a high-performance air purifier for mold, both during and after the mold removal work.
- If the flooding and mold damage are extensive, consider contacting professionals specializing in mold remediation to ensure proper cleanup and restoration.
Remember, mold can pose health risks, so it's important to take these steps promptly and thoroughly. If you experience persistent mold-related health issues or have concerns about extensive mold growth, consult with a medical professional or a mold remediation specialist.
