Devastating Floods in Afghanistan Leave Dozens Dead

The death toll from the floods that struck southwestern Afghanistan over two days has risen to 39, according to figures compiled by Agence France-Presse on Wednesday, based on official data.

A previous report released on Tuesday evening had reported 29 deaths, including children.

On Wednesday, the spokesperson for the National Disaster Management Authority, Abdullah Jan Sayeq, stated that “over the past two days, rain and snowfall have affected most provinces,” resulting in “human and material losses.”

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In a video statement, he added that 240 houses were completely destroyed and 160 partially damaged across the country due to the floods.

In Farah province, which borders Iran, 24 people lost their lives and 34 others were injured on Tuesday and Wednesday due to cold weather, floods, and storms, according to the Regional Disaster Management Agency.

In a statement, the agency said that floodwaters had submerged more than 1,100 hectares of farmland in the province and partially or completely destroyed approximately 130 houses and shops.

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Nasrullah, a farmer from the Farah Rud area in Farah province, told Agence France-Presse:

“The floods were powerful and destroyed my farm along with everything else. The water covered all the land.”

Another farmer, Mohammad Ibrahim, stated: “In 60 years, I have never seen such strong winds, rain, and storms.”

He added: “The storm was so intense that the fence was torn apart over a length of 30 to 35 meters (…) and everything made of wood was swept away by the water.”

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