Flash Floods Wreak Havoc in Northern Afghanistan, claiming 300+ Lives

As the people of Afghanistan grapple with the aftermath of severe flooding in the northern region.  The death toll climbs to at least 300, with hundreds more injured and countless families left homeless.

The United Nations World Food Programme said on “X” formerly Twitter that more than 300 individuals have perished in the hardest-hit northern province of Baghlan.

“This has been one of many floods over the last few weeks, due to unusually heavy rainfall. WFP is now distributing fortified biscuits to the survivors.”

The United Nations said that, along with its partners in Afghanistan, has stated that they are collaborating with the de facto authorities to promptly evaluate necessities and offer emergency aid.

The Taliban Ministry of Interior Affairs stated that at least 153 individuals lost their lives and at least 138 people were injured in three provinces due to flash floods in northern Afghanistan caused by heavy rains.

Zabiullah Mujahid, chief spokesman for Taliban wrote on “X” formally Twitter. “Air rescue operation for citizens stranded in floods underway in Baghlan.”

The devastation wrought by flash floods has left villages submerged, infrastructure destroyed, and agricultural lands inundated, compounding the already dire humanitarian crisis in the war-torn Country. Amidst the chaos, calls for urgent assistance grow louder, highlighting the pressing need for coordinated rescue and relief efforts to aid the affected communities.

Reports from the affected areas paint a grim picture of villages and settlements flooded under water as torrential rains inundated the region, leading to overflowing rivers and flash floods. The flooding has not only claimed lives but has also left a trail of devastation, with homes, infrastructure, and agricultural lands severely damaged.

Mohammad Zaher, a survivor of the flood in Baghlan, shared with reporters: “Many of the bodies remain unfound, and their families are desperately searching for them. Just recently, we laid twenty bodies to rest.”

Rescue and relief efforts are currently underway, with local authorities, supported by national and international aid agencies, mobilizing resources to assist affected communities. Search and rescue teams are working tirelessly to locate survivors stranded in flooded areas, while emergency shelters are being set up to provide refuge and essential supplies to displaced families.

However, response efforts are being impeded by logistical challenges, including damaged roads and limited access to some of the worst-hit areas. Furthermore, the ongoing conflict in Afghanistan adds complexity to relief operations, complicating the delivery of aid to those in need.

“The tragedy of Afghanistan continues. At least 200 people have died today and hundreds injured in Baghlan province. 2000 people have lost their homes. Yet de facto Taliban regime is nowhere to be seen. Flash flooding has wiped out the city, including my father’s family home,” tweeted Shabnam Hashimi, Former Policy Advisor to the Minister for Afghan Resettlement & Minister for Refugees.

The flooding has exacerbated an already dire humanitarian situation in Afghanistan, where millions of people are grappling with food insecurity and displacement amid ongoing instability. Immediate action is required to address the urgent needs of affected populations and to prevent further loss of life.

As the situation unfolds, the international community’s support and solidarity will be vital in aiding the recovery and rebuilding efforts in northern Afghanistan. Efforts to strengthen disaster preparedness and resilience in vulnerable communities must also be prioritized to mitigate the impact of future natural disasters.

Afghan officials said that since mid-April, floods have claimed approximately 100 lives across 10 provinces of Afghanistan, sparing no region entirely.

May 11, 2024