Deadly Storms Devastate Nangarhar, Leaving Families in Ruins-Afghanistan Among the First to Suffer from Such Catastrophes

Deadly Storms Devastate Nangarhar, Leaving Families in Ruins—Afghanistan Among the First to Suffer from Such Catastrophes

July 18, 2024

The catastrophic storm in Nangarhar Province has claimed at least 40 lives and left around 350 people injured. The disaster has caused extensive damage, with local officials estimating losses at approximately 2 billion Afghanis ($28.6 million). The storm has destroyed hundreds of homes, devastated crops on thousands of acres of agricultural land, and downed numerous electricity poles and orchards, deeply impacting both government institutions and the private sector.

Mutabar Khan, a 59-year-old resident of Surkhrod District, sits amidst the rubble of what was once his home, mourning the loss of 11 family members. “We were gathered at home to celebrate the birth of my son’s new baby when it happened,” Khan recalls, his voice trembling with grief. “It was a storm like I have never seen in my entire life. The mud homes were destroyed, including mine. The house where the celebration was going on collapsed, and all were killed. I have no words to explain this; it is a really hard moment for us.”

The storm, which hit Nangarhar last Monday, has resulted in widespread devastation. Quraishi Badloon, the Director of Information at the Nangarhar Directorate of Information and Culture, detailed the extensive damage: “Electricity poles have been destroyed, and thousands of acres of agricultural land with standing crops have been ruined. Dams, canals, and main roads have all been damaged. Unfortunately, I must say that the public and private sectors in Nangarhar have been severely affected.”

In response to the disaster, Zabihullah Mujahid, the Taliban spokesman, stated that all relevant agencies have been instructed to reach the affected areas and take steps for the transportation of the deceased and injured. “Military agencies have also been directed to use their available resources in the rescue efforts,” he added.

Several residents of Nangarhar have shared their harrowing experiences. Akhtar Gul, another victim, described the destruction: “These storms and rains have caused severe damage, destroying people’s homes, crops, and walls. Hundreds of homes have been damaged, and there have been fatalities and injuries.”

Dal Aqa Mukhlis, who lost his livelihood, said: “We are a family of nine, and we made our living from this land. The storms and rains took everything, leaving us with nothing.”

The recent storms have also exacerbated electricity issues in Jalalabad city. Didar Dawlattzi, a resident, noted: “The electricity wires, poles, and houses have all been knocked down by the storm.” Jamal Khan added, “The entire electricity network has been destroyed. It needs to be repaired and made usable again.”

According to the Nangarhar Directorate of Information and Culture, the destructive storms and rains have caused the deaths of 52 people, including women and children, and injured around 350 others in Jalalabad city, Surkh Rod, Behsud, Batikot districts, and several other areas of the province.

In a gesture of solidarity and support, Sheikh Abdul Hakim Haqqani, the Taliban Deputy Minister of Martyrs and Disabled Affairs, held a mourning ceremony at the mosque in Surkhrod District. He offered condolences to the grieving families and prayed for the swift recovery of the injured and Paradise for the martyrs. He also provided financial assistance to the heirs of each martyr.

Afghanistan remains one of the most vulnerable countries in the world to climate change and flash floods, with no comprehensive plan in place to mitigate these challenges. Just a few months ago, similar floods in Baghlan and the northern regions of the country claimed the lives of 350 people.

Najibullah Sadid, an Afghan water resources and environmental researcher currently in Germany, spoke with BBC Farsi about the situation. He warned that the ongoing monsoon rainfalls could lead to further flooding in eastern Afghanistan over the coming week. Forecasts indicate an intensification of monsoon rains in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa region as well, with daily accumulations reaching up to 40mm. “This part of the country is affected by weather patterns from India,” Sadid noted. “Historically, such severe rainfall was unprecedented here due to climate change. The recent rains have been stronger than ever before. Afghanistan is completely unprepared for such situations.”

He added that approximately 30 percent of the country’s economy relies on agriculture, making the nation particularly vulnerable to natural disasters. “Afghanistan is among the first to suffer from such catastrophes,” Sadid said, the severe impact on the already impoverished population.

As the country grapples with the increasing frequency and severity of natural disasters, the stories of individuals like Mutabar Khan highlight the urgent need for effective disaster management and climate resilience strategies. Reflecting on his tragic loss, Khan said, “It was a very strong storm, one I have never recalled in my entire life. My house, where the celebration party was going on, collapsed, and all were killed. I have no words to explain this; it is really a hard moment for us.”