Floods in Afghanistan Claim 77 Lives and Injure Over 100: Official Reports
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Kabul, April 5 (NationPress) Reports indicate that a devastating flood has resulted in at least 77 fatalities and 137 injuries across various provinces in Afghanistan from March 26 to April 4, as stated by local disaster management officials.
The National Disaster Preparedness and Management Authority of Afghanistan revealed that the flooding has led to significant destruction, with hundreds of homes reduced to rubble and thousands of acres of farmland severely impacted, as reported by Khaama Press.
Authorities confirmed that four individuals are still unaccounted for, while over 3,400 houses have sustained damage, highlighting the extensive devastation caused by the relentless rains.
Officials noted that numerous roads have been obstructed, disrupting transport links across multiple provinces, which has hindered rescue operations and limited access to those affected in remote areas.
In a statement, Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid mentioned that over 3,000 'jeribs' (a traditional measurement of land) of agricultural land have been ruined, and more than 1,000 livestock have perished due to the extreme weather conditions, as reported by Khaama Press.
This recent flooding mirrors patterns seen in previous rainy seasons, where heavy downpours have led to widespread destruction across the nation. In 2024, similar floods resulted in hundreds of casualties, along with extensive damage to homes and farmland.
Earlier this year, on January 22, a spokesperson from the National Disaster Management Authority reported that at least 11 individuals had lost their lives, and three others were injured due to heavy snowfall and rain affecting various provinces.
Initial reports from provincial officials indicated that severe weather had impacted residents in eastern Parwan, Wardak, southern Kandahar, northern Jawzjan, Faryab, and central Bamiyan, as per Xinhua News Agency.
The storms have caused partial destruction to nine homes and led to the loss of 530 livestock, significantly affecting the livelihoods in these agricultural communities. The spokesperson added that snow accumulation has obstructed vital roads, prompting immediate clearance efforts by authorities to restore connectivity and facilitate the delivery of aid.