Flash floods in Afghanistan claim 33 lives, damage 600 houses

Heavy seasonal rainfall affecting Afghanistan since April 12, 2024, has led to devastating floods and roof collapses in 20 out of 34 provinces. As of April 15, these incidents have resulted in 33 fatalities and 27 injuries, with Kabul, Farah, Herat, Kandahar, and Zabul being the worst affected. Over 1 000 families have been impacted, and significant damage to property and infrastructure has been reported.

Heavy rainfall that began on April 12, 2024, has led to severe floods affecting 20 of Afghanistan’s 34 provinces. The most severe impacts have been felt in Kabul, Farah, Herat, Kandahar, and Zabul, where extensive property damage and casualties have been reported.

As stated by Abdullah Janan Saiq, a spokesperson for the State Ministry for Natural Disaster Management, the floods have resulted in the deaths of 33 people, injuries to 27, and significant damage to homes and infrastructure.

Approximately 600 houses have been either damaged or completely destroyed, along with more than 85 km (52.8 miles) of roads and about 2 000 ha (4 942 acres) of farmland. In addition, more than 200 livestock were killed.

Most fatalities occurred due to collapsing roofs, exacerbated by the structures weakened by an unusually dry winter season preceding the rains. This dry spell also delayed the sowing of crops, further complicating the agricultural challenges faced by farmers in the region.

The weather forecast predicts continued heavy rainfall, with particularly intense downpours expected in Kabul province.

References:

¹ Afghanistan floods – DG ECHO – April 15, 2024

² Afghanistan: Dozens killed as heavy rains trigger floods – DW – April 14, 2024

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