ISLAMABAD, Pakistan (AP) – Flash floods from unusually heavy seasonal rains in Afghanistan have resulted in a devastating toll, with over 300 people confirmed dead and thousands more displaced. The affected areas include the northern provinces of Baghlan, Badakhshan, Ghor, Herat, and Kunduz. The Taliban government acknowledged the 'grievous toll' from the floods and urged all available resources to be mobilized for rescue efforts.
The World Food Program reported that over 2,000 homes have been destroyed in Baghlan alone. In neighboring Takhar province, at least 20 people were reported dead. Communities across the affected regions have lost entire families as a result of the flooding.
Zabihullah Mujahid, the chief spokesman for the Taliban government, stated that 'hundreds' had succumbed to these calamitous floods and that a substantial number of people had sustained injuries. He identified Badakhshan, Baghlan, Ghor, and Herat as the worst-hit provinces.
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) reported that it was providing emergency aid on the ground in response to the flooding. The IRC also prepared its emergency response in affected areas. Both organizations emphasized the need for immediate aid and long-term planning by international actors and the Taliban government.
The floods hit as Afghanistan is still reeling from a string of earthquakes at the beginning of this year, as well as severe flooding in March. The IRC's Afghanistan Director, Salma Ben Aissa, called upon world leaders and international donors to not forget Afghanistan during these turbulent global times.
The Taliban Defense Ministry reported that the country's air force had already begun evacuating people in Baghlan and had rescued a large number of people stuck in flooded areas. They also transported 100 injured to military hospitals in the region.
Richard Bennett, U.N. special rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Afghanistan, urged both immediate aid and long-term planning to address Afghanistan's vulnerability to the climate crisis.
At least 70 people died in April from heavy rains and flash floods in the country. About 2,000 homes, three mosques, and four schools were also damaged.
