In recent years, Ghazni has increasingly been affected by climate change, with a rise in flooding causing significant damage to many families in the provincial center and its districts. Areas including Ghaib Qalandar, Hakim Sanayi Township, Khair Abad, Deh Khudaydad, Pirzada, Qala Amir Mohammad Khan, and Tawhid Abad in the provincial center, as well as parts of several districts, have repeatedly witnessed devastating floods.
A number of residents of these areas who have been harmed by floods have expressed concern about the continuation of this situation as a result of climate change and are calling for serious government action to reduce vulnerability and improve crisis management.
Farzad, a resident of one of the flood- affected areas in Ghazni, told Salam Watandar, “Our agricultural land suffered severe damage. Our land is located near the river, and whenever floods occurred, it carried away our crops. At one point, our house was close to being submerged by the flood. We were unable to protect our land, and the government did not provide any assistance.”
Ulfat Hashemi, another resident of a flood-affected area in Ghazni, said, “Recently, several dangerous floods have caused the destruction of many homes and agricultural lands. Last year, we even witnessed the loss of our young man and a child due to severe flooding. This area is flood-affected, and people have suffered significant losses. So far, no special measures have been taken to ensure people’s safety, and given the current weather conditions, more dangerous floods may occur in the future.”
Meanwhile, environmental experts emphasize that the consequences of climate change will continue in the long term and that effective responses require the implementation of infrastructure projects and scientific planning in vulnerable areas. According to them, constructing standard canals, building control structures, and supporting affected families can play an important role in reducing damage.
Hekmatullah Haidari, an environmental expert, said, “Floods that have occurred due to climate change in recent years have become one of the major challenges for people. Every year, people suffer both human and financial losses. There are many problems; when floods occur, roads are closed to vehicles, and shops and houses are damaged. Standard canals should be constructed, and assistance and cooperation must be provided to affected families so that people can live with more convenience.”
At the same time, local officials in Ghazni report that programs are being implemented to address flooding. Ezzatullah Saeedi, spokesperson for the Ghazni governor, told Salam Watandar,
“To reduce damage and prevent tragic incidents caused by floods, protective walls, canals, and check dams have been constructed in some districts to reduce flood risks. In case of floods occurring, the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan in Ghazni province, through the Department of Disaster Management, always uses its available resources and strives to respond as quickly as possible to affected areas. Praise be to God, in past years, assistance has been provided to several areas that faced problems.”
Ghazni, one of the country’s agricultural provinces, has important water resources, including Sultan Mahmood Dam in the north and Zana Khan Dam in the east. However, flooding in the areas around these dams has repeatedly caused damage to farmers and local residents. In recent years, the frequency of such floods has increased as a result of climate change, and their management has become one of the major challenges for this province.
Reporter: Turyalai Tabesh
