Flash floods triggered by unusually heavy seasonal rains in Afghanistan have resulted in a devastating toll, with more than 300 individuals losing their lives and over 1,000 houses being destroyed, according to the U.N. food agency. The World Food Program has swiftly responded by providing fortified biscuits to survivors in the northern province of Baghlan, which was severely impacted by the recent deluges. In Takhar province, reports from state-owned media outlets indicate that at least 20 people have tragically lost their lives due to the floods.
The Taliban government's chief spokesman shared on social media the grim reality of the situation, highlighting the widespread impact on provinces such as Badakhshan, Baghlan, Ghor, and Herat. The government has mobilized all available resources to conduct rescue operations, provide medical assistance to the injured, and retrieve the deceased.
The Taliban Defense Ministry has initiated evacuation efforts in Baghlan, utilizing the country's air force to rescue individuals stranded in flooded areas and transport injured persons to military hospitals. The U.N. special rapporteur on human rights in Afghanistan emphasized the urgent need for immediate aid and long-term planning to address the country's vulnerability to climate-related disasters.
Social media footage depicted the heart-wrenching scenes in Baghlan, where families anxiously searched for their loved ones behind the hospital. Officials advised them to prepare for burials as staff members attended to the solemn task of arranging the bodies for the burial ceremony.
Prior incidents in April had already underscored the country's susceptibility to heavy rains and flash flooding, resulting in the loss of 70 lives and significant damage to homes, mosques, and schools. The recent floods serve as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges posed by the climate crisis in Afghanistan, necessitating coordinated efforts from both local authorities and international partners to mitigate the impact on vulnerable communities.
