Flash floods triggered by heavy rainstorms swept through eastern Afghanistan’s Nangarhar province on Monday afternoon, leaving at least 35 people dead and 250 others injured, according to local officials.
The sudden deluge caused widespread devastation across several districts, destroying homes, farmland, and infrastructure. Rescue teams are working tirelessly to search for survivors and provide aid to those affected.
“The scale of destruction is unprecedented in this region,” a local official said. “We are mobilizing all available resources to assist the victims and are in urgent need of humanitarian support.”
Residents described scenes of chaos as floodwaters surged through villages, carrying away belongings and livestock. “We lost everything in a matter of minutes,” said one villager. “Our homes are gone, and we have nowhere to go.”
The provincial government has declared a state of emergency and is coordinating with national authorities and international organizations to address the crisis. Medical facilities are overwhelmed with the number of injured, and there are concerns about shortages of food, clean water, and shelter.
Afghanistan is prone to natural disasters, including floods and earthquakes, which compound the challenges faced by communities already struggling with conflict and poverty. The recent floods highlight the urgent need for disaster preparedness and infrastructure development in vulnerable regions.
International aid agencies are urged to provide immediate assistance to support relief efforts and help rebuild the affected areas.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
