Sudden floods have struck northern Afghanistan, claiming the lives of more than 200 people in the province of Baghlan alone, according to the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and Agence France-Presse (AFP) on Saturday.
An official from the United Nations agency stated that more than a hundred people died in the new Baghlan district, while a hundred people were killed in the Balkh province due to the floods that destroyed over two thousand homes in both districts on Friday.
The organization noted that deaths were also recorded in six other provinces, based on figures from the Afghan National Authority for Natural Disaster Management.
Local authorities had reported 62 deaths on Friday night, warning that the toll could rise.
This year’s floods, exacerbated by unusually heavy spring rains, have affected other provinces in this climate-vulnerable country, particularly in Ghor (west) and Badakhshan (northeast), resulting in significant financial losses.
Zabihullah Mujahid, a spokesman for the Taliban government, confirmed to AFP on Saturday morning that “dozens of deaths” had been recorded in several provinces.
Afghanistan is prone to natural disasters, including floods and landslides, particularly during the spring and summer months.
The country’s rugged terrain and lack of infrastructure exacerbate the impact of such events, leading to loss of life and property damage.
The recent floods come amid ongoing challenges facing Afghanistan, including political instability and economic hardship.
The response to natural disasters in Afghanistan often involves coordination between government agencies, international organizations, and humanitarian aid groups to provide relief and support to affected communities.
