Devastating Floods Ravage Afghanistan, Leaving Hundreds Dead and Thousands Homeless

Torrential rains have triggered catastrophic floods in northern Afghanistan, killing over 300 people and destroying thousands of homes, leaving survivors with no shelter, no land, and no source of livelihood.

Devastating Floods Ravage Afghanistan, Leaving Hundreds Dead and Thousands Homeless

Kabul, Afghanistan - Heavy seasonal rains have wreaked havoc in Afghanistan, triggering devastating floods that have claimed the lives of over 300 people and left thousands homeless. The northern province of Baghlan has borne the brunt of the disaster, with entire villages washed away.

Abdul Ghani, a farmer from Nahrin district in Baghlan, lost his wife and three children in the deluge. Two of his sons survived, but an 11-year-old son remains missing. "I couldn't even find the road to my village," he said, describing the harrowing journey back home.

Across Baghlan, survivors are still searching for their missing loved ones and burying their dead. Roads, villages, and lands have been swept away, leaving a trail of destruction.

The United Nations World Food Program (WFP) estimates that thousands of houses have been destroyed, leaving survivors with no shelter, no land, and no source of livelihood. Most of Baghlan is inaccessible by trucks, complicating aid delivery efforts.

The floods have also taken a heavy toll on children. UNICEF reports that 51 children have died in the disaster. International aid groups are rushing to provide relief, including medicines, blankets, and other supplies.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has delivered 7 tons of medicines and emergency kits to the stricken areas. The U.N. migration agency is distributing aid packages that include temporary shelters, essential non-food items, and tools for repairs.

The latest disaster comes on the heels of a previous one, when at least 70 people died in April from heavy rains and flash floods in the country. The waters also destroyed about 2,000 homes, three mosques, and four schools in western Farah and Herat, and southern Zabul and Kandahar provinces.

U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres has expressed condolences to the victims and pledged support from the world body and aid agencies. The Taliban-led government is working with aid groups to assess needs and provide emergency assistance.

As the floodwaters recede, the true extent of the devastation is becoming clear. Survivors are facing a daunting task of rebuilding their lives, while aid agencies grapple with the challenges of providing relief in remote and inaccessible areas.