Severe flooding threatens millions in Afghanistan, 600 homes destroyed and 3 000 damaged

Severe flooding affecting Afghanistan over the past weeks claimed the lives of at least 56 people, as of April 21, 2020. Authorities warn more than 7 million people are still at risk.

The worst affected Provinces are Badakhshan, Badghis, Baghlan, Farah, Faryab, Parwan, Takhar, and Ghor.

Media reports said at least 56 people lost their lives over the past weeks, while 31 were injured. Several others remain missing, so search operation continues. Around 600 houses have been destroyed and more than 3 000 partially damaged.

The spokesman for the ministry of disaster management, Ahmad Tamim Azimi remarked that the continuous severe flooding poses a threat to about seven million people, adding that roughly 25 percent of them are in an endangered situation.

"We have categorized the seven million flood-affected people. The first category is 1 029 000 people, who need immediate aids."

He continued, "the second category is three million people and the third one is 300 000."

To avoid flood risk in residential areas, Azimi said the ministry has a plan to establish river banks, canals, and stone walls around the rivers in five rainy zones in various provinces.

Featured image credit: @shpoon1919/Twitter