Over 300 dead and thousands displaced in Afghanistan due to devastating flash floods following heavy rains – Global News

Flash floods triggered by heavy seasonal rains have devastated Afghanistan, with over 300 people dead and 1,000 houses destroyed, the UN food agency reported. The World Food Program has begun distributing fortified biscuits to survivors, with Baghlan province bearing the brunt of the deluges.

Neighboring Takhar province also suffered, with at least 20 fatalities confirmed. The Taliban government expressed condolences, acknowledging the extensive damage in provinces like Badakhshan, Baghlan, Ghor, and Herat. The government mobilized resources for rescue operations, evacuations, and medical assistance.

Videos on social media captured heart-wrenching scenes of families searching for loved ones outside hospitals in Baghlan. Officials advised them to prepare graves as the death toll continued to rise. This catastrophe follows April’s heavy rains and flooding, which claimed 70 lives and caused widespread destruction.

The Taliban Defense Ministry reported air force evacuations in Baghlan, rescuing stranded individuals and transporting the injured to military hospitals. The images of devastation and loss serve as a stark reminder of the vulnerability faced by communities in the face of natural disasters.

As the country grapples with the aftermath of these floods, the resilience and solidarity of the Afghan people shine through in the midst of tragedy. The road to recovery will be long and challenging, but the spirit of unity and support offers hope for a brighter future.