315 people killed as floods devastate villages in Afghanistan

Flash floods caused by heavy rains have left a trail of devastation in northern Afghanistan, with authorities reporting a death toll of 315 people and over 1,600 injured. Villagers are reeling from the aftermath as they bury their loved ones and struggle to rebuild their lives amidst the widespread destruction.

The Taliban-run refugee ministry revealed that thousands of homes were damaged, livestock wiped out, and essential infrastructure like healthcare facilities and water supply systems severely impacted. Streets are now covered in mud, making rescue and relief efforts even more challenging.

In the Nahrin district of Baghlan province, heartbroken residents carried their deceased family members to their final resting place. Muhammad Yahqoob, who lost 13 relatives, including children, lamented the dire situation, stating, “We have no food, no drinking water, no shelter, no blankets, nothing at all, floods have destroyed everything.”

As survivors grapple with the enormity of their losses, calls for assistance have grown louder. The Taliban’s economy minister, Din Mohammad Hanif, appealed to the United Nations, humanitarian organizations, and private businesses to provide aid to the flood-affected communities.

Save the Children’s Afghanistan director, Arshad Malik, highlighted the plight of the 310,000 children residing in the worst-hit areas, emphasizing that they have lost everything in the disaster. The refugee ministry’s latest update on the casualties underscores the urgent need for support in the face of this natural calamity.

Afghanistan’s vulnerability to such disasters is compounded by the challenges it faces in the wake of the Taliban’s takeover and the subsequent withdrawal of foreign aid. The country’s struggle for assistance is further complicated by global crises and international concerns over the Taliban’s policies, particularly regarding women’s rights.