At least 23 people were killed and more than 80 others injured after flash floods swept through a province in eastern Afghanistan, local officials said on Tuesday, warning that the death toll is expected to rise as search efforts continue for dozens of missing people.
Torrential rainfall triggered the floods on Monday, inundating villages, destroying homes and washing away roads and farmland. Rescue teams, supported by local authorities, have been searching through debris for survivors as emergency operations continue.
Provincial officials said many of the victims were caught off guard by rapidly rising floodwaters. More than 80 injured people were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment, while emergency workers continued to evacuate residents from the worst-affected communities.
Authorities warned that the number of fatalities could increase because dozens of people remain unaccounted for. Damage assessments are also ongoing, with officials reporting widespread destruction of homes, agricultural land and public infrastructure.
Afghanistan is highly vulnerable to extreme weather events, including flash floods, droughts and landslides, which have become more frequent and severe in recent years. Limited infrastructure and humanitarian challenges have made disaster response more difficult, particularly in remote rural areas.
Relief agencies and local authorities are providing emergency assistance, including food, shelter and medical supplies, to displaced families. Officials urged residents living near rivers and flood-prone areas to remain alert as additional rainfall is forecast in parts of the region.
Leave a comment