Islamabad: Afghanistan is grappling with a severe natural disaster as unprecedented seasonal rains have led to catastrophic flash floods, resulting in the tragic loss of over 300 lives and the destruction of more than 1,000 homes across several provinces. The United Nations’ World Food Programme (WFP) has been actively responding to the crisis, providing essential food supplies to the flood-affected communities.
The northern province of Baghlan has been reported as one of the hardest-hit areas, with a significant number of fatalities and extensive property damage. The floods struck with such intensity on Friday that they swept away entire villages, leaving survivors to navigate through streets littered with debris and the remnants of their former lives.
In the neighboring Takhar province, the impact of the floods was also felt deeply, with state media confirming at least 20 casualties. The Taliban government’s spokesperson, Zabiullah Mujahid, took to social media to express the gravity of the situation, stating that hundreds have perished and many more have sustained injuries due to the floods. He highlighted the provinces of Badakhshan, Baghlan, Ghor, and Herat as the most severely affected, emphasizing the extensive damage and significant economic losses inflicted by the disaster.
In response to the emergency, the Taliban government has issued orders to deploy all available resources for rescue operations. Efforts are underway to save those still trapped, provide medical care to the injured, and recover the remains of the victims. The Defense Ministry announced that the Afghan Air Force has initiated evacuation procedures in Baghlan, rescuing numerous individuals from the flood-ravaged areas and transporting approximately 100 injured persons to military medical facilities for urgent treatment.
The international community, along with local authorities, continues to monitor the situation closely, as the full extent of the damage is still being assessed. The WFP’s involvement is crucial in addressing the immediate needs of the affected populations, as the country faces one of the most challenging periods in its recent history.
