Deadly Flash Floods Devastate Afghanistan, Leaving 50 Dead and Dozens Missing.

By Caroline Ameh

At least 50 individuals have lost their lives in the wake of devastating flash floods triggered by heavy rainfall in central Afghanistan, officials report on Saturday.

In Ghor province, authorities confirm that scores of individuals remain unaccounted for as residents scrambled to higher ground mere moments before torrents of floodwater swept through the region.

The calamitous floods have inflicted widespread destruction, claiming the lives of thousands of livestock, obliterating approximately 2,000 homes, and causing extensive damage to infrastructure.

The recent deluge follows a series of flooding incidents across northern and central regions earlier this week, exacerbating the already dire situation for affected communities.

In the provincial capital of Firozkoh, an estimated 2,000 businesses have been submerged, with major thoroughfares rendered impassable.

Eyewitness accounts paint a grim picture of the disaster, with one resident describing a “huge and horrible flood” that engulfed everything in its path, leaving families distraught and homes destroyed.

Zahir Zahid, a local resident, recounted the harrowing experience of witnessing his own home succumb to the floodwaters, underscoring the widespread devastation wrought by the natural disaster.

Authorities have declared an “emergency situation” and issued urgent appeals for essential supplies, including shelter, food, and water, to aid affected communities.

With dozens of individuals still missing, rescue operations have been severely hampered by inaccessible terrain, hindering efforts to reach those in need of assistance.

This latest catastrophe comes on the heels of a tragic event last week, where over 300 people lost their lives due to torrential rains that ravaged villages in the north, further exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.

Amidst the devastation, Afghanistan’s already fragile infrastructure and agricultural sector face significant challenges in coping with the aftermath of the floods.

The United Nations and other humanitarian agencies have warned of the likelihood of an increase in casualties as rescue operations continue to face obstacles in reaching remote areas.

Compounding the crisis is Afghanistan’s vulnerability to the impacts of climate change, with experts highlighting the country’s limited capacity to mitigate and respond to such disasters.