At least 85 people have lost their lives in the flash floods that hit central Afghanistan on May 18, 2024. The heavy rains caused widespread destruction, leaving thousands of houses partially or totally destroyed and hundreds of hectares of farmland underwater. In Ghor province alone, around 2,000 shops are submerged in floodwaters and most roads leading to Firozkoh have been cut off. Dozens of people are still missing.
The disaster management department in Ghor declared an 'emergency situation' and appealed for shelter, food, and water for the affected population. The Taliban government expressed condolences for the families of the victims and called on 'responsible authorities and orgs to provide all necessary support.'
The floods come after a prolonged period of drought earlier in the year. Afghanistan is one of the least prepared countries to tackle climate change impacts, according to climate analysts.
In northern Afghanistan, thousands more have been affected by flash floods over the past several weeks. The U.N. World Food Program reports that Baghlan remains inaccessible by trucks due to flooding and destruction of roads.
At least 300 people have died from flash floods in Afghanistan and Pakistan since the beginning of May, according to United Nations announcements.
One heartwarming story emerged from the disaster: a child named Zulaikha, age 10, was saved from floodwaters by a stranger named Elhamuddin in north-east Afghanistan. The incident highlights the resilience and compassion of people in the face of adversity.
