- Flash floods in central Afghanistan kill at least 50 people
- Thousands of cattle dead, 2,000 homes destroyed in Ghor
- UN warns death toll could rise as rescue efforts impeded
Officials report that at least fifty persons have perished in flash floods in central Afghanistan that were triggered by heavy rainfall.
Several others, according to authorities in the province of Ghor, are missing after fleeing to higher ground for protection mere minutes before the floodwaters struck.
Additionally, the inundation reportedly caused the demise of thousands of cattle, the destruction of approximately 2,000 dwellings, and extensive damage to many more.
The recent downpour follows this week’s extensive flooding in the central and northern regions.
According to officials, approximately 2,000 shops are submerged in the provincial capital of Firozkoh, and most of the routes leading to it have been closed.
A local inhabitant reported that everything was washed away by “a tremendous and horrifying flood” as he and his family hurried to safety after receiving alerts from mosque loudspeakers and officials.
Zahir Zahid told AFP: “I witnessed the devastation of my home caused by the deluge. “All women and children were in tears.”
The disaster management department of the province stated “emergency” and requested provisions of shelter, food, and water.
Dozens of individuals, according to a spokesman for provincial governor Abdul Wahid Hamas, remain missing.
Amidst unprecedented precipitation that ravaged numerous villages in the north last week, UN and Taliban officials estimate that over 300 people perished.
An excessive amount of silt has engulfed a significant portion of the farmland in a nation where agriculture sustains over 40 million people or 80% of the population.
The inability to access the affected areas has severely impeded rescue efforts, which has prompted United Nations agencies to warn that the death toll from the most recent flooding may rise.
“Take a step towards financial freedom – claim your free Webull shares now!”
The torrential precipitation occurred after the nation endured an extended phase of aridity earlier this year.
Afghanistan, which has been ravaged by conflict and estranged from the rest of the world ever since the Taliban seized power in 2021, is one of the least prepared nations to deal with the effects of climate change, according to climate analysts.
In all provinces of Afghanistan, the meteorological department has warned of additional precipitation and potential flooding.
As the World Food Programme of the United Nations reported, the uninhabitable northern region of Baghlan continues to be inaccessible by vehicle.
The United Nations reports that survivors of flooding in the past are now without a place to reside, no land to occupy, and no means of subsistence.
