Heavy Rain and Floods in Afghanistan Claim 28 Lives and Injure 49

Kabul, March 31: Severe rainfall and flooding across several provinces in Afghanistan have resulted in the deaths of at least 28 people since February 26. Additionally, 49 individuals have sustained injuries, according to Mohammad Yusuf Hamad, spokesperson for the Disaster Preparedness Authority.

Reports from Tolo News indicate that the affected provinces include Kandahar, Helmand, Herat, Ghor, Kabul, Kapisa, Parwan, Panjshir, Jawzjan, Faryab, Badakhshan, Bamyan, Daikundi, Paktia, Paktika, Logar, Zabul, Balkh, Badghis, Samangan, Baghlan, Takhar, Laghman, and Nangarhar.

The floods have caused significant destruction, with approximately 568 homes and ten shops completely destroyed. Furthermore, 93 kilometers of roads have been damaged, and around 244 livestock have been lost. In total, 1,130 families have been affected by the heavy rains.

Hamad reported that the Disaster Preparedness Authority has dispatched aid, food supplies, and other assistance to the impacted residents. Authorities are advising the public to ensure their safety and stay away from rivers and flood-prone areas.

Earlier in January, heavy rainfall in various provinces had already claimed the lives of at least 11 individuals, with three others injured.

According to preliminary reports from provincial officials, severe weather has impacted residents in Parwan, Wardak, southern Kandahar, northern Jawzjan, Faryab, and central Bamyan.

Tolo News also reported that last October, the authority indicated that recent rains and sudden floods had affected 721 families in the provinces of Kabul, Laghman, and Kapisa.

Hamad emphasized that many residential homes have been either completely or partially destroyed. Over 1,000 acres of agricultural land have been washed away, leading to significant losses for fruit-producing farmers.