WHO: Devastating Floods Ravage Afghanistan, Affecting Nearly 8,700 Families

A series of deadly floods that struck the Afghan provinces of Baghlan, Badakhshan, and Takhar earlier this month have taken a heavy toll, Khaama Press reported yesterday citing the World Health Organization (WHO).

According to the UN health agency, the floods affected over 8,696 families between May 10-11, causing widespread infrastructure damage, including to roads, bridges, health facilities, and schools. The disaster has claimed 347 lives and left over 1,651 people injured across the three provinces.

In the northern region alone, 1,870 homes were destroyed, resulting in 84 fatalities, 5 injuries, and 40 individuals still unaccounted for. The western region saw 6,000 houses affected, with 5 deaths and more than 100 injuries.

The persistent extreme weather conditions are pushing the death toll up, as another 17 people were reportedly killed over the past two days after a fresh round of torrential rains and flooding in northern Afghanistan.

The WHO has responded by delivering emergency medical supplies and setting up mobile health teams to assist affected communities. However, the agency warns that the situation remains critical, urging the mobilization of additional resources to address the growing humanitarian crisis.