Devastating Floods in Northern Afghanistan: More than 200 Killed and Thousands of Homes Destroyed
Severe floods hit northern Afghanistan, killing more than 200 people in Baghlan and Baraka provinces. Thousands of houses have been destroyed and serious material damage has occurred in the region, which is under the impact of climate change.
The recent natural disaster in northern Afghanistan, reported by the International Organization for Migration (IOM), has caused massive destruction, especially in Baghlan province. According to the IOM, more than 200 people have lost their lives in Baghlan alone. Emphasizing the magnitude of the devastation, the French news agency AFP, citing a UN official, reported that the floods that have been going on for two days in Baghlan and Baraka provinces have destroyed more than 2,000 houses. Following this disaster, according to the Afghan National Natural Disaster Management Authority, deaths were reported in six other provinces.
Climate Change and Disasters
This year’s spring rains were above average. Many parts of Afghanistan, particularly Ghor and Badakhshan provinces, which are vulnerable to climate change, have experienced severe flooding. This has had a profound impact on human life as well as material losses in the region.
Taliban government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid confirmed to AFP that “dozens of deaths” had been recorded in some provinces. The international community and local authorities are already working and coordinating on how to respond to the disaster areas and how to deliver the necessary aid.
Emergency Appeals and Future Outlook
Local authorities and international aid organizations are calling for urgent assistance to prevent further loss of life and rebuild destroyed areas. The scale of the disaster and the ever-increasing death toll make relief efforts in the region even more imperative. Experts emphasize the need for more effective measures and strategies to deal with the risks of climate change.
This disaster once again highlights the importance of greater cooperation and coordination at both regional and international levels. For the people of Afghanistan, the measures to be taken to prevent similar disasters in the future can serve as an example for the whole world.
