Northern Afghanistan has been devastated by flash floods triggered by torrential rains, resulting in a tragic loss of at least 153 lives, as reported by the Taliban’s Ministry of Interior Affairs.
The floods, which struck on Friday, have left 138 individuals injured across three provinces, with fears of the death toll rising.
Speaking on Saturday, Zabihullah Mujahid, the chief spokesman for the Taliban government, described the situation as dire, stating that "hundreds" have succumbed to the calamitous floods, with many sustaining injuries. The worst-hit province, Baghlan, has seen more than 200 fatalities and extensive destruction of homes, according to the UN’s International Organization for Migration.
Efforts for relief and evacuation are underway, with the Afghan air force evacuating over 100 injured individuals to military hospitals. The Ministry of National Defense has declared a state of emergency in affected areas, initiating the distribution of food, medicine, and first aid to impacted communities.
This catastrophe adds to the toll of an already challenging situation, as since mid-April, floods have claimed approximately 100 lives across ten provinces of Afghanistan.
The flooding has submerged farmlands, exacerbating the plight in a nation where 80 percent of the population relies on agriculture for survival.
Flash Floods Claim Over 150 Lives in Northern Afghanistan