At least 10 members of a family died in heavy storm followed by floods in the eastern province of Nangarhar on Monday, July 15. The victims included six children, three women and one man who all had gathered for a birthday celebration.
The storm which was accompanied by heavy rains as well as flash floods in parts of Nangarhar killed at least 45 people and wounded 350 others, according to official figures.
Wajid, one of the victims, had married two years ago, had recently become a father for the second time.
His child was born nearly two months ago. His sister-in-law, along with her four children, had come to visit the newborn baby.
Tragically, Wajid and his family were swept away by the fatal flood caused by heavy rainfall and storm.
“They were very happy for the newborn child, but the flood took away their joy,” said a relative of Wajid.
The flood first took Wajid and his two children, while two of his sisters-in-law, along with their four children, were also swept away.
The happiness in Wajid’s house turned into mourning.
“This family is so helpless that it will take a long time for them to stand on their feet again. These people do not have the ability to rebuild their lives, homes, and families,” a relative of Wajid said.
Wajid’s wife and father survived the disaster. Wajid was a laborer and lived a simple life. His relative noted that he was earning around 200 Afghanis daily to support his family, as he was the sole breadwinner.
The incident in Nangarhar has left thousands of people in deteriorating conditions, with many losing their lives and sustaining significant financial damages.
