Deadly Flooding in Northern Afghanistan Claims Hundreds of Lives

Flooding in northern Afghanistan’s Baghlan and Takhar provinces has resulted in a devastating loss of life, with at least 150 people confirmed dead, according to officials from the Taliban and the United Nations. The heavy rainfall in recent weeks has caused widespread destruction, forcing hundreds of families from their homes and leaving many stranded in the mud.

Abdul Mateen Qani, a representative of the Interior Ministry, reported that Baghlan province has seen the highest number of casualties, with 131 deaths, while another 20 people have lost their lives in Takhar. The Borka district in Baghlan has been particularly hard hit, with over 200 people trapped inside their homes.

The situation has worsened humanitarian needs in the region, with many families losing their homes and being displaced. The Taliban and former President Hamid Karzai have called on the people of Afghanistan to assist the flood victims, emphasizing the urgent need for aid.

Richard Bennett, the U.S. special rapporteur on human rights in Afghanistan, has also urged for immediate assistance to the affected areas. He highlighted the vulnerability of the country to climate crises and emphasized the importance of both short-term relief efforts and long-term planning.

The flooding has also disrupted transportation, with the main road connecting the affected areas to the capital of Kabul closed. The unusually dry winter has made it difficult for the soil to absorb the heavy rainfall, leading to widespread flooding of farmland. The situation remains dire, and immediate action is needed to support the affected communities.