Taliban officials report that at least 60 individuals have lost their lives, and over 100 have sustained injuries following flash flooding in northern Afghanistan.
Heavy rainfall in five districts of Baghlan province has resulted in widespread devastation, with numerous individuals still unaccounted for. Authorities fear the death toll may escalate, especially with two additional storms predicted to hit the region on Friday night.
Social media images depict torrents of water engulfing houses in various villages, leaving behind a path of destruction.
The recent weeks have seen an unusual surge in rainfall across the country, claiming over 100 lives since mid-April.
Abdul Mateen Qani, spokesperson for Afghanistan’s interior ministry, informed the BBC that the deceased were primarily from Borka district in Baghlan province. More than 200 individuals remain trapped in their homes.
Flash Floods Kill Dozens, Displace Hundreds Across Afghanistan
Efforts to aid those affected have faced challenges, with helicopters dispatched to Baghlan encountering difficulties due to a shortage of night vision lights.
Meanwhile, local authorities, along with the military, are engaged in rescue operations, searching for potential victims despite the debris.
Affected families are receiving support in the form of tents, blankets, and food. However, the closure of the main road linking Kabul to northern Afghanistan has hindered relief efforts.
Last month, the western part of the country experienced flooding that claimed numerous lives and displaced thousands, necessitating urgent humanitarian assistance. The result saw extensive damage to homes, mosques, and schools.
Flash flooding, a result of intense rainfall overwhelming drainage systems, is a recurring challenge in Afghanistan. Experts attribute the severity of recent floods to a relatively dry winter, hindering soil’s ability to absorb rainfall.
Afghanistan’s vulnerability to climate-related disasters is exacerbated by its fragile infrastructure and socio-economic conditions. Climate experts warn that the country faces heightened risks due to climate change, compounded by decades of conflict and poverty.
Addressing climate-related challenges necessitates global action to reduce emissions and mitigate the impacts of a warming climate. Failure to act could lead to further escalation of climate-related disasters, exacerbating the plight of vulnerable communities worldwide.
