Flash floods damage or destroy dozens of homes, claim lives of at least 16 people in eastern Afghanistan

Heavy rains lashed parts of a mountainous area in eastern Afghanistan, resulting in flash floods that damaged or destroyed dozens of homes and killed at least 16 people, an official confirmed Saturday, August 1, 2020. The majority of the victims were children, while four others were also injured.

Severe flooding swept through the Khewa District, claiming the lives of 16 people--15 of which were children, according to governor Attaullah Khogyani of the Nangarhar Province.

Four others were wounded in the incident. Dozens of houses were damaged or destroyed, Khogyani added. A team was deployed to the area to assist with emergency operations.

The harsh weather came as the country celebrates the Muslim holiday of Eid al Adha. Relief operations are ongoing to help affected families.

On Sunday, August 2, residents began to clean up and pick up debris after the flooding. 

Many poorly-built houses, mostly in rural areas, are vulnerable to flash flooding during heavy rainfall events in Afghanistan.

In 2013, flooding left at least 58 fatalities and 30 others missing in five provinces due to torrential rains.

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