The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has warned that around 270,000 children in Afghanistan are at serious risk of cold-related illnesses due to extreme winter weather and heavy snowfall. In a statement, the agency said children in eastern Afghanistan, already affected by last year’s earthquake, are facing worsening conditions as prolonged exposure to cold and damp weather increases the risk of respiratory infections, hypothermia, and other preventable diseases.

UNICEF noted that children living in temporary shelters are particularly vulnerable to rain, snow, and poor sanitation, which further heighten health risks. The organization also reported that the United Kingdom has provided a donation of 10.8 million dollars to support child nutrition programs in Afghanistan.

According to local authorities, heavy snowfall and rain over the past two days have killed at least 11 people and injured three others across several provinces, including Parwan, Wardak, Kandahar, Jawzjan, Faryab, and Bamiyan. The national weather department expects precipitation to continue in most parts of the country in the coming days.