Flash floods triggered by unusually heavy seasonal rains have wreaked havoc in Afghanistan, claiming the lives of more than 300 people and demolishing over 1,000 houses, the United Nations food agency said on Saturday.
The World Food Program (WFP) announced that it has commenced the distribution of fortified biscuits to survivors in the wake of devastating floods that have struck various regions across the country in recent weeks. Most severely affected is the northern province of Baghlan, which endured the brunt of the deluges on Friday.
Neighboring Takhar province also faced the wrath of the floods, with state-owned media confirming at least 20 fatalities.
Zabihullah Mujahid, the chief spokesman for the Taliban government, took to X to express condolences, stating that “hundreds… have succumbed to these calamitous floods, while a substantial number have sustained injuries”. Mujahid identified Badakhshan, Baghlan, Ghor, and Herat as the worst-hit provinces, highlighting the extensive devastation and significant financial losses incurred.
In response, the Taliban government mobilised all available resources for rescue operations, transportation of the injured and recovery of the deceased. The Taliban Defense Ministry reported that the country’s air force has initiated evacuations in Baghlan, rescuing numerous individuals stranded in flooded areas and transporting injured persons to military hospitals.
Heart-wrenching scenes unfolded as videos circulated on social media, showing distraught individuals gathered outside hospitals in Baghlan searching for loved ones. Officials urged them to prepare graves as staff attended to the grim task of preparing bodies for burial.
This recent catastrophe follows April’s heavy rains and flash flooding, which claimed the lives of at least 70 people and caused extensive damage to homes, mosques and schools across the country.
(With inputs from Associated Press)