Flash floods kill more than 300 people in northern Afghanistan after heavy rains, UN says

People are seen near their damaged homes after heavy flooding in Baghlan Province of Northern Afghanistan today, May 11, 2024

 Unusually heavy seasonal rains in Afghanistan have triggered flash floods, claiming the lives of more than 300 people and ravaging over 1,000 homes, reported the U.N. food agency on Saturday.

The World Food Program has swiftly responded by distributing fortified biscuits to survivors, particularly in the northern province of Baghlan, which suffered the worst of the floods on Friday.

An elderly man collects his belongings from his damaged home after heavy flooding in Baghlan Province of Northern Afghanistan today, May 11, 2024

In Takhar province, state-owned media outlets have confirmed at least 20 casualties from the floods.

Zabihullah Mujahid, the Taliban government's chief spokesman, shared on X social media platform that "hundreds have tragically perished in these devastating floods, with many more sustaining injuries."

Mujahid identified Badakhshan, Baghlan, Ghor, and Herat as the most severely affected provinces, noting "extensive devastation" and "significant financial losses."

A damaged house is seen after heavy flooding in Baghlan Province of Northern Afghanistan today, May 11, 2024

The Taliban government has mobilized all available resources for rescue, transport of the injured, and recovery operations. The Defense Ministry announced the commencement of evacuations in Baghlan and the transfer of 100 injured individuals to military hospitals.

Richard Bennett, U.N. special rapporteur on Afghanistan's human rights situation, emphasized on X that these floods highlight the country's vulnerability to the climate crisis, stressing the urgent need for immediate aid and long-term planning by both the Taliban and international stakeholders.

People clean uptheir damaged homes after heavy flooding in Baghlan province of Northern Afghanistan, May 11, 2024

Social media videos depict crowds gathering behind Baghlan's hospital on Saturday, anxiously seeking information about their missing loved ones. Officials advise them to prepare graves as staff work on burial preparations.

Earlier reports indicated that heavy rains and flash flooding in April claimed the lives of at least 70 individuals, while causing damage to around 2,000 homes, three mosques, and four schools across Afghanistan.