Afghanistan

Floods in Ghor, Faryab leave 120 people dead: OCHA

Floods in at least ten districts in Ghor and eight districts in Faryab provinces have resulted in 120 deaths, according to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).

OCHA reported that the floods, occurring between May 17 and 18, affected the districts of Charsada, Dawlatyar, Dolayna, Ferozkoh, Lal Wa Sarjangal, Murghab, Pasaband, Saghar, Shahrak, and Tolak in Ghor, as well as Almar, Bilcheragh, Chehlgazi, Dawlatabad, Khaibar, Maimana, Pashtun Kot, and Qaysar in Faryab.

“The initial flooding in Faryab Province on May 17 affected around 560 households, followed by a second wave on May 18 impacting approximately 1,300 households,” the report stated.

The report noted that villages in Bilcheragh and Khaibar remain inaccessible due to difficult terrain and road blockages.

In Ghor Province, early unconfirmed reports indicate substantial damage to over 6,000 houses, more than 1,200 shops, and other critical civilian infrastructure, the report said.

Murghab district is at high risk due to debris blocking the flow of the Murghab River, potentially causing further flooding in nearby villages, the report highlighted. As of May 20, humanitarian partners have not been able to access Murghab District with assistance.

The report also raised concerns over the inaccessibility of health facilities and markets in Ferozkoh district in Ghor Province.

Several provinces in Afghanistan, particularly in the north, northeast, and west, have experienced deadly floods, causing numerous fatalities and injuries.

Meanwhile, some citizens have blamed the Taliban for being unable to rescue people stranded by the floods.