In the wake of devastating flash floods in northeastern Afghanistan, UN humanitarian teams are racing against time to deliver crucial aid to affected communities. The calamitous floods have claimed the lives of at least 300 people, including 51 children, with numerous others injured. These figures are expected to rise as further reports trickle in, according to UN agencies.
The hardest-hit region appears to be Baghlan province, where heavy rainfall obliterated approximately 3,000 homes, inundated farmlands, swept away livestock, shuttered schools, and inflicted damage upon healthcare facilities. Takhar and Badakhshan provinces also faced significant impacts, with initial reports indicating damage to at least 300 houses, as reported by the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF).
In response to the crisis, UN teams have swiftly mobilized on the ground. Dr. Tajudeen Oyewale, UNICEF Representative in Afghanistan, affirmed their commitment to providing rapid relief, expressing condolences to grieving families and emphasizing the urgency of maintaining access to essential services, particularly for children.
”The heavy rains and subsequent floods have disrupted lives and pose a significant risk to children in the affected provinces. As families cope with the loss, maintaining access to safe water, health, and protection services is paramount. As always, UNICEF stands with the children and people of Afghanistan during this difficult time,” Tajudeen Oyewale voiced.
UNICEF, alongside its partners, has already begun distributing aid, including family and hygiene kits, blankets, and clothing. Additionally, a mobile health and nutrition team has been deployed to conduct assessments and offer support where needed.
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has been actively delivering aid packages, encompassing temporary shelters, vital non-food items, solar modules, clothing, and tools for shelter repairs. The World Food Programme (WFP) is also on the ground, providing energy biscuits to flood survivors while highlighting the recent spate of extreme weather events attributed to unusually heavy rains.
UN relief chief Martin Griffiths underscored the imperative for climate-resilient humanitarian efforts in the face of such extreme weather events. Afghanistan, among the ten most vulnerable countries to climate change, has been grappling with a surge in extreme weather phenomena, including floods, droughts, and sand and dust storms, leading to loss of life, livelihoods, and substantial infrastructure damage.
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