NAHRIN, Afghanistan, May 12 (Reuters) – Devastating flash floods triggered by heavy rains have struck villages in northern Afghanistan, resulting in the loss of 315 lives and leaving over 1,600 injured, authorities reported on Sunday. Villagers mourned their deceased while aid organizations cautioned about the expanding catastrophe.
According to the Taliban-led refugee ministry, thousands of homes were destroyed, and livestock perished. Aid agencies raised concerns over the impact on healthcare facilities and critical infrastructure like water supply, as streets were left covered in mud.
In Baghlan province’s Nahrin district, mourners solemnly carried their deceased relatives to burial sites.
“We have nothing left – no food, no water, no shelter, no blankets – the floods took everything,” lamented Muhammad Yahqoob, who lost 13 family members, including children. Survivors are grappling with the aftermath.
“Out of 42 houses, only two or three remain; the entire valley is destroyed,” Yahqoob added.
Taliban’s economy minister, Din Mohammad Hanif, urged the United Nations, humanitarian agencies, and private businesses to extend support to flood-affected communities.
“Lives and livelihoods have been swept away,” remarked Arshad Malik, the Afghanistan director for Save the Children. “The flash floods devastated villages, sweeping away homes and livestock.”
Malik estimated that 310,000 children reside in the hardest-hit districts, emphasizing that “Children have lost everything.”
The refugee ministry cited a new count of casualties from its Baghlan provincial office on Sunday. The interior ministry had previously reported 153 deaths from Friday’s floods, cautioning that the toll might rise.
Afghanistan, frequently susceptible to natural disasters, is deemed one of the countries most impacted by climate change, according to the United Nations.
The nation has faced aid shortages since the Taliban assumed control following the withdrawal of foreign forces in 2021, resulting in a reduction of development aid crucial for government finances.
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