Flash floods triggered by heavy seasonal rains in western Afghanistan have resulted in the tragic loss of at least 50 lives, with numerous individuals still unaccounted for, according to a Taliban official. The death toll, based on initial assessments, is feared to escalate as the situation unfolds.
Afghanistan has been grappling with an onslaught of unusually intense seasonal rains, causing widespread devastation in the region. Ghor province, in particular, has borne the brunt of the calamity, enduring substantial financial setbacks. Thousands of residences and properties have been damaged, and hundreds of hectares of vital agricultural land have been decimated by the floods, including the provincial capital, Feroz Koh.
The Taliban's government chief spokesman expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and urged the relevant authorities to extend comprehensive support to alleviate the distress of the affected populace. Additionally, he called upon charitable donors and humanitarian organizations to step forward and provide essential aid to the impacted communities.
Recent reports from the U.N. food agency have revealed that the relentless downpours in Afghanistan have claimed over 300 lives and obliterated thousands of homes, predominantly in Baghlan province, which bore the brunt of the floods on May 10th. Survivors have been left destitute, stripped of their homes, lands, and means of sustenance, as per the World Food Organization.
The dire situation has rendered most parts of Baghlan inaccessible by road, posing significant challenges for relief efforts. The WFP is exploring all possible avenues to ensure the delivery of essential food supplies to the affected individuals.
This latest catastrophe follows closely on the heels of devastating floods in April, which resulted in the loss of at least 70 lives. The deluge wreaked havoc in western Farah and Herat, as well as southern Zabul and Kandahar provinces, destroying around 2,000 homes, three mosques, and four schools in its wake.
