Energy & Air Quality: Herat is preparing for TAPI-linked natural gas distribution, with officials saying a $420 million project will extend pipelines across the city, creating 3,000 direct jobs and over 70,000 indirect roles; authorities report 110+ km of pipeline already laid, and experts say household and industrial gas use could cut energy costs and reduce air pollution. Climate Disasters: Monsoon rains continue to batter the region: heavy flooding has killed at least 82 people across India, Pakistan and Afghanistan, with Nuristan hit hard—fresh flash floods in eastern Nuristan injured 30 and damaged homes, roads, irrigation canals and livestock, days after earlier deadly floods. Water Stress: In Farah’s Bala Buluk district, worsening drought and falling groundwater have dried up karez systems and springs, leaving families rationing scarce drinking water from limited taps and reservoirs. Cross-Border Water Cooperation: The World Bank approved a $20 million grant to improve transboundary water management in Central Asia’s Amu Darya and Syr Darya basins, aiming to strengthen data sharing and institutions as climate pressure grows. Humanitarian Response: Iran sent a relief convoy to flood-hit Nuristan with flour and cooking oil for families in Parun as communities face urgent needs for food and safe water.