KABUL (SW) – Flash floods triggered by torrential rain and heavy snowfall have caused havoc in 17 provinces across the country.
According to the National Disasters Management Authority among the worst affected provinces include Kandahar, Farah, Herat and Helmand.
Aziz Ahmad Azizi, spokesman for the provincial governor in Kandahar, informed Salam Watandar that the flood-related incidents have claimed the lives of 12 people, including women and children, while 12 more people got injured. Up to 15,000 homes have been damaged.
He said thousands of stranded people have been rescued by the Afghan National Army in the province.
According to UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, flash floods have reportedly killed 20 people, with others still missing or trapped by the flood waters. It noted on 1 March, heavy rains struck Kandahar city, Zheri, Dand, Damand, Arghandab, Spinboldak, and Takhtapu Districts. In the last 30 hours, 97mm of rain fell in the affected areas.
Severe damage to infrastructure has been reported, including to homes. In Kandahar city alone, an estimated 600 houses have been damaged or destroyed. Flood-affected families have been evacuated to secure areas in the districts and Kandahar city including schools, mosques, Government buildings and the Haji camp.
The Shifa area in Dand is on high alert as water levels continue to rise. In Arghandab there are reports that a large number of Kochi (nomadic) families – approximately 500 individuals – are stranded on the river bank. There is an urgent need for air support to rescue those who are trapped and to bring in immediate relief items.
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