Flash floods hit northern Afghanistan by Rob McElwee
Heavy rainfall and snow melt have resulted in flash floods across northern Afghanistan. More than 20 people have been killed, and several reported missing after torrential rain caused extensive flooding.
The downpour, which started on Tuesday night has so far destroyed over 800 homes in a number of northern districts, along with acres of agricultural land. The northeast province of Badakshan was the hardest hit area, an isolated and impoverished province bordering China, Pakistan and Tajikstan. Local resident Gul Ahmad said “Everybody needs food. We have lost everything.”
After years of prolonged drought, this is the second time that Afghanistan has been hit by flash floods since the start of the year. In February a combination of flooding and avalanches killed more than 100 people, damaging thousands of homes across a number of provinces.
Ministers in Afghanistan have since urged relief organisations to dispatch humanitarian aid to the flood victims, giving much needed assistance to a country still reeling from its last disaster.
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