A devastating storm swept through eastern Afghanistan on Monday, claiming the lives of at least 35 individuals, as reported by a Taliban official. The province of Nangarhar bore the brunt of the severe weather, leaving a trail of destruction and casualties in its wake.
According to provincial authorities, the storm caused widespread damage, resulting in numerous injuries and fatalities. Among the tragic incidents was the collapse of a house in Surkh Rod district, which led to the deaths of five family members. Additionally, four other members of the same family sustained injuries in the incident.
The casualties included women and children, underscoring the indiscriminate impact of the natural disaster. The adverse weather conditions also wreaked havoc on properties and crops across various parts of Nangarhar province, compounding the challenges faced by the local population.
Medical facilities in the region were inundated with a significant influx of patients seeking treatment for storm-related injuries. The head of the regional hospital in Nangarhar revealed that 207 individuals were admitted for medical care from Jalalabad and nearby districts. In a heartening display of solidarity, numerous locals rallied to donate blood for the injured, highlighting the community's resilience in the face of adversity.
Earlier reports from the World Food Program painted a grim picture of the aftermath of the storm, citing a death toll exceeding 300 individuals and the destruction of thousands of homes, particularly in Baghlan province on May 10 and May 11. The survivors of these calamities have been left without shelter, land, or means of sustenance, underscoring the urgent need for humanitarian assistance in the affected areas.