KABUL, Afghanistan — At least 24 people have died from carbon monoxide poisoning in Afghanistan this winter, according to the Taliban’s public health ministry.
Sharafat Zaman, a Taliban spokesman for the ministry, said on Saturday that 894 cases of carbon monoxide poisoning had been reported nationwide during the current cold season. Of those who died, 15 were men and nine were women, he said.
Harsh winter conditions in many of Afghanistan’s provinces have driven residents to rely on gas and coal for heating, often in poorly ventilated homes. This has increased the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, a recurring hazard during Afghanistan’s winters.
The crisis comes as the country faces widespread humanitarian need. The United Nations estimates that more than half a million Afghans are in urgent need of aid this winter, as economic challenges and food insecurity persist under the Taliban’s rule.
Taluban health officials have urged residents to exercise caution when using gas or coal for heating, warning of the dangers of inadequate ventilation.
No additional details were provided by the Taliban’s health ministry regarding the locations of the fatalities or the specific conditions under which the incidents occurred.
Afghanistan’s winters, particularly in rural areas, have long been a challenge for the country’s population, which continues to grapple with poverty and limited access to basic services.
