VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis on Wednesday expressed his sympathy for the victims of severe flooding in Afghanistan that has resulted in significant loss of life and destruction.
”I pray for the victims, especially the children and their families, and I appeal to the international community to provide immediate aid and support to protect the most vulnerable,” the 87-year-old pontiff said, addressing the tragedy that has affected hundreds.
Flash floods, triggered by intense rainfall earlier in the week, have devastated villages across northern Afghanistan, resulting in at least 315 deaths and injuring more than 1,600 people, according to authorities last Sunday.
The Taliban-run Ministry of Refugees reported that thousands of homes were damaged and livestock decimated. Aid groups have also highlighted extensive damage to healthcare facilities and crucial infrastructure, including water supplies, leaving streets submerged in mud.
