Recent heavy rains in eastern Afghanistan have resulted in devastating flooding, causing significant loss of life and injury. The health ministry has reported that approximately 40 people have lost their lives, with 347 individuals sustaining injuries as a result of the storms.
Many homes have been destroyed due to the severe weather conditions, leading to approximately 1,500 children being displaced, as noted by Save the Children. The organization also highlighted the damage inflicted on a reception center in Torkham, which was established to support Afghan returnees who had been forced out of Pakistan in a recent crackdown on migrants.
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) has emphasized the dire situation faced by many individuals who are now stranded without access to basic necessities. Emergency personnel have been working tirelessly to provide essential health services to those affected by the flooding.
In response to the crisis, the IRC has mobilized a mobile health team to assist in the most severely impacted areas in Nangarhar province. Additionally, preparations are underway to deploy two more emergency response teams to provide further assistance to those in need.
Salma ben Aissa, the IRC Afghanistan Director, expressed deep concern over the loss of life and devastation caused by the floods, emphasizing the importance of supporting the affected communities and recognizing the efforts of first responders in providing critical medical care and aid.
This recent natural disaster comes on the heels of previous flooding and rainfall in the northeast region of Afghanistan, which resulted in the tragic loss of over 300 lives and the destruction of more than 1,000 homes, according to the World Food Programme.
