Flash floods caused by heavy seasonal rains in Afghanistan have resulted in the deaths of more than 300 people and the destruction of over 1,000 houses, according to the U.N. World Food Program. The floods mainly affected the northern province of Baghlan, with neighboring Takhar province also reporting casualties. Videos shared on social media showed people gathered at hospitals in search of their loved ones, being told to prepare graves while bodies were being prepared for burial. Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid confirmed the devastation in provinces like Badakhshan, Baghlan, Ghor, and Herat, with substantial financial losses incurred.
The flood situation in Afghanistan comes at a difficult time as the country is still recovering from recent earthquakes and severe flooding in March. Salma Ben Aissa, head of the International Rescue Committee in Afghanistan, emphasized the loss of families and livelihoods due to the floods. She called on world leaders and international donors to provide support during these challenging times and highlighted the need for immediate aid and long-term planning. The IRC reported significant infrastructure damage in several provinces and is preparing to expand its emergency response efforts to assist those affected by the floods.
The Taliban Defense Ministry announced that the country’s air force has started evacuating people in Baghlan and rescuing those stranded in flooded areas. The ministry stated that 100 injured individuals had been transported to military hospitals in the region. U.N. special rapporteur Richard Bennett emphasized the need for both immediate aid and long-term climate crisis planning by the Taliban and international actors. April alone saw 70 deaths from heavy rains and floods, along with damage to thousands of homes, mosques, and schools. The situation highlights Afghanistan’s vulnerability to natural disasters and underscores the urgency of assistance and planning.
The floods in Afghanistan have led to a grave humanitarian crisis, with hundreds dead and thousands affected by the destruction caused by the heavy rains. The Taliban government is mobilizing resources for rescue and recovery efforts, with the air force being utilized for evacuations and medical transport. The international community is being urged to provide support to Afghanistan as it grapples with the aftermath of the floods, which have exacerbated the challenges faced by the country following recent natural disasters. Immediate action is necessary to assist those in need and prevent further loss of life and property.
