Islamic Relief is launching an emergency response as flash floods in northern Afghanistan have killed hundreds of people and left thousands homeless.
More than 300 people are reported killed so far, but many more are still missing. Roads and agricultural land have also been destroyed by the floods, which struck after days of torrential rain, and Islamic Relief fears that families who have lost land, assets and homes will be pushed further towards starvation. Afghanistan is currently in the midst of one of the world’s biggest food crises and thousands of people in the affected areas are already suffering from severe hunger.
Umair Hasan, Islamic Relief’s Country Director in Afghanistan, says:
“Huge rivers of water and mud suddenly swept through villages, destroying vital farmland and washing away people’s fragile homes. Many people are reportedly still missing so the number of people affected could still rise. 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.
“People in Afghanistan have suffered a string of drought, earthquakes and floods over the last couple of years, on top of extreme hunger and economic crisis. The cumulative impact is devastating, but the international community has largely neglected the country. This is another reminder that people in Afghanistan continue to need support.”
Most of the deaths so far have been reported in Baghlan province in the north – where Islamic Relief has existing projects – but the floods have also affected parts of neighbouring provinces such as Takhar and Badakhshan. Local authorities have declared a state of emergency.
Islamic Relief’s response will target families who have lost their homes and assets, as well as other vulnerable affected people such as those with disabilities and orphaned children.
