The recent heavy rainfall in Afghanistan's Baghlan province has led to devastating flash floods, causing significant loss of life and extensive property damage. According to the UN's International Organisation for Migration (IOM), more than 300 people have lost their lives, and over 1,000 houses have been destroyed in the floods.
The World Food Program (WFP) has initiated relief efforts by distributing fortified biscuits to survivors in affected areas, particularly Baghlan province. In neighboring Takhar province, the floods have claimed at least 20 lives, according to state-owned media reports.
Zabihullah Mujahid, the chief spokesman for the Taliban government, highlighted the widespread impact of the floods across multiple provinces, including Badakhshan, Baghlan, Ghor, and Herat. He emphasized the substantial financial losses incurred as a result of the extensive devastation.
To address the crisis, the Taliban government has mobilized all available resources for rescue and relief operations. The country's air force has been actively involved in evacuating people from flooded areas and transporting the injured to military hospitals.
Richard Bennett, the UN special rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Afghanistan, emphasized the urgent need for both immediate aid and long-term planning to address the country's vulnerability to climate-related disasters.
Videos circulating on social media depict the grim aftermath of the floods, with families desperately searching for loved ones and officials urging them to prepare for burial ceremonies as staff work tirelessly to handle the influx of bodies.
This catastrophe adds to the challenges already faced by Afghanistan, following previous incidents of heavy rains and flash flooding in April, which resulted in additional casualties and extensive damage to infrastructure. The situation underscores the importance of coordinated efforts to provide assistance and support to affected communities in their time of need.
