ES/NFI partners have reached more than 1.2m people (61 percent) with seasonal winter assistance across the country. 41 partners are involved in the winterization response across the country, all prioritizing a range of solutions including the provision of fuel and heaters, winter clothing, blankets, shelter repair, and rental support.

During period 1-31 March, heavy rainfall, and flash flood incidents have affected 18 provinces across 6 regions of Afghanistan. More than 1,466 shelters have either been destroyed or severely damaged across 103 districts.

Results from the Multi-Sectoral Rapid Needs Assessment (MRAT) on returnees and the host populations underscore a significant need for targeted shelter assistance with most returnees ranking shelter as a top priority after food and cash assistance. Returning families have expressed the need for support to construct shelters (48%), cash support for rent (40%), and shelter materials (32%). Concerns about leaking (44%), lack of insulation (35%), and insufficient living space (31%) are widespread and compounded further by the recent floods.

Partners continue to report critical resource constraints owing to multiple emergencies, lack of funding, and depleted stockpiles to address existing gaps for returnees and emerging needs from floods. The Cluster regional stockpiles for repair tool kits are severely diminished and partners cannot adequately support families affected by the recent heavy rains and flash floods.