Hundreds Dead, Thousands Displaced by Torrential Rains in Northern Afghanistan
Northern Afghanistan has been struck by severe flash flooding, resulting in a devastating death toll that continues to rise. According to Taliban officials, at least 150 people have perished, while the World Food Programme reports over 300 fatalities following intense rainfall in Baghlan province this past Friday night. Images circulating on social media depict violent torrents sweeping through villages, demolishing homes and infrastructure in their path.
The region has experienced an unusual amount of heavy rainfall in recent weeks, leading to numerous fatalities since mid-April. Abdul Mateen Qani, a spokesperson for Afghanistan’s interior ministry, confirmed 131 deaths in Baghlan and an additional 20 in Takhar province. Rana Deraz from the World Food Programme detailed the destruction in Baghlan, noting that 2,011 houses were completely destroyed and 2,800 were damaged, along with several mosques and schools.
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The floods have trapped over 200 residents in the Borka district, with emergency services, including the army, vigorously searching for survivors buried under mud and debris. Local governments are providing relief, including tents, blankets, and food to displaced families. The main road connecting Kabul with northern Afghanistan remains closed, compounding the challenges faced by the affected communities.
This tragic event follows significant flooding last month in western Afghanistan, which also resulted in numerous deaths and displaced thousands, highlighting the ongoing susceptibility of the region to natural disasters. Experts attribute the severity of the recent floods to a dry winter, which prevented the soil from absorbing the rainfall effectively, leading to widespread flooding that overwhelmed traditional drainage systems.
Afghanistan, identified as one of the countries most vulnerable to climate change, faces increased risks due to poorly constructed housing in isolated areas and ongoing environmental challenges. The situation is exacerbated by the country’s long-standing socio-economic struggles and the recent political upheavals following the Taliban’s takeover in 2021. Global climate change continues to amplify the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, stressing the urgent need for international support and effective climate action.
