Families across parts of Afghanistan are struggling to recover after flash floods destroyed homes, businesses and sources of income, leaving many residents without even their basic necessities.
The devastation has been particularly severe in Nuristan province, where residents said floodwaters washed away parts of markets, hotels and other businesses, depriving many families of their livelihoods.
“These hotels and buildings were constructed about 15 to 20 years ago,” said Zikrullah, a resident of Nuristan. “Their destruction has caused heavy financial losses for the people.”
Local Taliban officials in Nuristan said the floods had caused millions of dollars in financial losses.
“We have fatalities, we have injured people,” said Jalal, another resident. “This was the center of business activity in Nuristan, and it has all been destroyed.”
As communities grapple with the destruction, the Taliban-run National Disaster Management Authority said the flooding has spread to 16 provinces over the past two days. The agency said at least 10 people had been killed and six others injured in heavy rainfall, flash floods, storms and landslides, adding that the disasters had also caused extensive property damage.
Faridun Samim, spokesman for the Taliban governor in Nuristan, said local authorities had asked humanitarian organizations to provide assistance to affected communities as quickly as possible.
“We have held discussions with the relevant departments and organizations,” Samim said. “This area will once again have its markets, regain its place and once again attract tourists.”
The United Nations, meanwhile, said many families had lost their homes and livelihoods in the floods but warned that relief efforts were being hampered by funding shortages.
