Devastating floods hit a village in northern Afghanistan, leaving farmer Abdul Ghani without his wife and three children, who perished in the deluge. Ghani rushed home from a neighboring province upon hearing the news, only to find that two of his sons survived while another remained missing. Many others in Baghlan province were also searching for missing loved ones and burying their dead as the death toll from the flood surpassed 300, with thousands of houses destroyed.
The U.N. food agency estimated that heavy seasonal rains had caused the destruction, leaving survivors with no homes, land, or means of livelihood. Most of Baghlan was left inaccessible by trucks, making it difficult to deliver aid to those in need. The World Food Organization and other international aid agencies were working to provide relief, including food, medicines, blankets, and emergency kits to those affected.
U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres offered condolences to the victims and stated that aid agencies were collaborating with the Taliban-run government to provide assistance. The World Health Organization and UNICEF were among the organizations sending relief teams and supplies to the affected areas, which included 51 children among the deceased. The U.N. migration agency was also distributing aid packages containing temporary shelters, essential items, and tools for repairs to damaged shelters.
This disaster followed a previous one in April, in which at least 70 people died from heavy rains and flash floods that destroyed thousands of homes, mosques, and schools in several provinces. The impact of the floods left many facing an uncertain future with no means of rebuilding or recovering their lost possessions. Despite the challenges, aid organizations and the Afghan government were working together to provide assistance and support to those affected by the natural disasters.
Abdul Ghani’s story was just one of many heartbreaking tales emerging from the flood-ravaged areas in northern Afghanistan, highlighting the devastating impact on families and communities. As survivors continued to search for missing loved ones and bury their dead, efforts to provide relief and support were underway to address the immediate needs of those affected. The resilience and strength of the Afghan people in the face of such adversity were evident as they worked together with aid agencies and the government to begin the process of recovery and rebuilding in the aftermath of the floods.
