The seasonal rains in Afghanistan have taken a devastating turn, triggering flash floods that have claimed the lives of at least 12 people and left around 40 individuals missing. The disaster struck on July 22 in the Jalrez district of Maidan Wardak province, situated west of the capital city, Kabul, Daryo correspondent in Afghanistan reported.
The official spokesperson for the Taliban, confirmed the tragic incident on July 23, revealing the grim extent of the disaster. Among the casualties and missing persons are numerous families who were caught off-guard by the sudden and powerful surge of floodwater.
In the wake of the calamity, authorities have been mobilized to provide urgent assistance to the affected communities. Government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid emphasized that all relevant agencies and personnel have been instructed to render necessary aid and support to those impacted by the floods.
As rescue efforts and assessments get underway, local officials from the provincial governor's office have reported significant damage to residential areas and infrastructure. Hundreds of homes have been either partially damaged or entirely swept away by the force of the floods. Tragically, it is believed that some of the missing individuals may be trapped under the rubble of collapsed houses, complicating search and rescue operations.
Moreover, the catastrophic flooding has wreaked havoc on the agricultural sector, with hundreds of hectares of farmland destroyed by the surging waters. The loss of crops and livelihoods poses yet another challenge for the affected communities, many of whom rely on agriculture for their sustenance and income.
The natural disaster has also severed vital transportation links in the region. The highway connecting the capital city, Kabul, to the central Bamiyan province has been rendered impassable due to the floodwaters, leaving travelers stranded and further hindering rescue and relief operations.
The situation remains critical, and authorities are working tirelessly to reach the missing individuals, provide aid to those in distress, and assess the full extent of the damage caused by the flash floods.
Afghanistan is no stranger to natural disasters, and the country has grappled with numerous challenges in recent years. However, the frequency and intensity of such events appear to be escalating, underscoring the urgent need for comprehensive disaster preparedness and mitigation measures to protect vulnerable populations.
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