Northern Afghanistan has been devastated by flash floods, causing widespread destruction and claiming the lives of hundreds of people, with many others still missing.
The United Nations Food Agency has attributed these catastrophic floods to an unusually intense period of seasonal rainfall. The province of Baghlan has suffered the most significant impact, with thousands of residences destroyed in the heavy downpours that occurred last Friday.
UNICEF South Asia expressed concern for the affected children, acknowledging that the heavy rains and subsequent floods have disrupted their lives and posed a significant risk to their well-being. Tajudeen Oyewale stated that UNICEF would stand with the children and people of Afghanistan during this challenging time.
Tragically, among the reported 240 fatalities, 51 were children. Various international aid organizations, including UNICEF, are mobilizing relief teams and providing essential supplies such as medicines, blankets, and other necessities. The World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed the delivery of 7 tons of medicines and emergency kits to the affected areas.
In the aftermath of these devastating floods, individuals who have lost loved ones are calling on the interim government and both local and international organizations to address the challenges and aid those who are still trapped.
As reported by the International Rescue Committee (IRC), which is coordinating its emergency efforts, hundreds of thousands of people have been left isolated without access to crucial services. This situation has further emphasized the urgent need for assistance.
Richard Bennett, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in Afghanistan, has highlighted the importance of providing immediate assistance to the flood victims. He stated that the recent floods, particularly in Baghlan, where numerous casualties occurred, serve as a stark reminder of Afghanistan’s vulnerability to climate-related emergencies.
Richard Bennett, in a post on X, emphasized the devastating impact of recent floods in Afghanistan, particularly in Baghlan, where numerous lives were tragically lost.
This serves as a stark reminder of Afghanistan’s vulnerability to the climate crisis. In light of this, both immediate aid and long-term planning by the Taliban and international actors are crucial. Our heartfelt condolences go out to the families of the victims.
Arshad Malik, the country director for Save the Children, expressed the profound consequences of the floods, stating that lives and livelihoods have been washed away. The flash floods mercilessly swept through villages, destroying homes and claiming the lives of livestock.
Children, in particular, have been left with nothing. Furthermore, families who were already grappling with the economic repercussions of three years of drought are now in urgent need of assistance.
Save the Children, an aid group, reported that approximately 600,000 people, half of whom are children, reside in the severely affected districts of Baghlan. In response, the organization dispatched a “clinic on wheels” equipped with mobile health and child protection teams to provide support to children and their families, as reported by AP.
Tragically, heavy rains and flash floods in April resulted in the loss of at least 70 lives in the country. Additionally, around 2,000 homes, three mosques, and four schools were destroyed. The extent of the damage highlights the urgent need for comprehensive support and recovery efforts in the affected areas.
