Over a span of three days of intense rainfall and flash floods in Afghanistan, the government’s disaster management department reported a grim toll on Sunday.
“Starting from Friday, the heavy rains triggered flash floods, resulting in significant human and financial losses,” stated Janan Sayeq, the department’s spokesperson.
“Initial reports sadly indicate that 33 individuals lost their lives, and 27 sustained injuries in the floods.”
The majority of the casualties occurred due to roof collapses, with approximately 600 homes damaged or destroyed. Additionally, nearly 600 kilometres (370 miles) of roads were washed away, and roughly 2,000 acres of farmland were submerged, according to Sayeq.
Around 20 out of the nation’s 34 provinces bore the brunt of the torrential rains. This deluge follows an exceptionally dry winter, which has left the land parched and compelled farmers to delay planting.
The flow of foreign aid into Afghanistan has sharply declined since the Taliban regained power in 2021, hampering relief efforts in response to natural disasters.
Earlier this year, in February, at least 25 people perished in a landslide triggered by heavy snowfall in the eastern part of the country. Moreover, approximately 60 individuals lost their lives during a three-week period of relentless precipitation that concluded in March.
The United Nations issued a warning last year, highlighting Afghanistan’s susceptibility to extreme weather fluctuations.
Scientists attribute these harsh weather patterns to climate change. After enduring four decades of conflict, Afghanistan ranks among the nations least equipped to confront this phenomenon.
