More than 300 people have been killed after flash floods devastated areas of northern Afghanistan.
Huge rivers of water and mud suddenly swept through villages, destroying vital farmland and washing away homes. Many people are reportedly still missing.
Thousands of people across northern Afghanistan have been left without homes. Roads and agricultural land have also been destroyed by the floods, which struck after days of torrential rain.
Widespread damage
The majority of the deaths reported occurred in the northern Baghlan province, where thousands of houses have been destroyed or damaged, according to the World Food Programme (WFP).
Baghlan is not easily accessible, so the full extent of the damage caused by the floods is not yet known.
The floods have also affected parts of neighbouring provinces such as Takhar and Badakhshan.
With these devastating floods hitting while the country is in the midst of one of the world’s biggest food crises, this disaster will push communities in northern Afghanistan deeper into poverty and starvation.
Local authorities have declared a state of emergency, as the government and humanitarian aid groups begin the search for survivors.
An immediate response
With the floods taking occurring in areas where Islamic Relief are already operational, we are in a position to provide immediate support as Umair Hasan, Islamic Relief’s Country Director in Afghanistan, explains:
“There are many urgent needs but people have been left homeless and hungry, so shelter and food are particularly critical.
“We plan to provide families with food, other aid, or cash so that they can find shelter and buy essential supplies on the local markets where they’re functioning.
“Hygiene materials are also needed as water-borne diseases often spread fast after floods.”
Islamic Relief will be coordinating with local authorities and partner humanitarian agencies to provide support to those affected by the floods.
The initial response will target families who have lost their homes and belongings, as well as other vulnerable affected people such as those with disabilities and orphaned children.
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