Devastating Floods Inundate Northern Afghanistan, Killing Hundreds
Torrential rains have unleashed a torrent of flash floods across northern Afghanistan, leaving a trail of destruction and claiming hundreds of lives. According to the United Nations, the death toll has surpassed 300, prompting the Taliban’s interior ministry to declare a state of emergency.
The relentless downpours have caused rivers to overflow their banks and sent torrents of mud crashing through villages and agricultural lands in several provinces, including Baghlan, Takhar, and Badakhshan. In Baghlan alone, more than 300 people have perished, and thousands of homes have been reduced to rubble or severely damaged, as reported by the UN’s International Organization for Migration and World Food Agency.
The World Food Agency is providing support to the flood-ravaged communities by distributing fortified biscuits to survivors. In Baghlani Jadid, over 1,500 homes have been destroyed or damaged, resulting in more than 100 fatalities, according to government figures cited by Mohammad Fahim Safie, the National Programme Officer leading IOM’s emergency response.
The Taliban government has confirmed 62 deaths as of Friday night, and government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid has expressed condolences for the victims. However, the government has not yet provided an official tally of casualties or the extent of damage inflicted by the floods.
The heavy rains have also left a trail of destruction in the provinces of Badakhshan, Ghor, and Herat. Emergency personnel are tirelessly working to rescue and assist individuals affected by the flash floods, and the natural disasters management department has reported significant financial losses incurred due to the disaster.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has expressed concern over the severe impact on infrastructure, particularly transportation, water, and sanitation systems. The organization highlights that numerous individuals remain unaccounted for, and the situation remains critical.
As Afghanistan grapples with the aftermath of these devastating floods, international aid and support are urgently needed to provide relief and assistance to the affected communities and rebuild the shattered infrastructure.
