Afghanistan

Profile: Ghulam Hossein, Baghlan flood victim, shares his struggle for survival

The devastating floods in Baghlan province have claimed the lives of dozens and displaced hundreds of families, forcing them to live in undisclosed locations.

The victims face not only the grief of lost family members but also the destruction of their homes and agricultural lands, leaving their futures uncertain.

Amu highlights the story of Ghulam Hossein, a flood victim from the district of Burkah—the area most affected by the flooding. As dawn broke over Burkah, the extent of the community’s hardships became evident.

Without shelter, clean water, food, or even basic roofing, survival has become a daily challenge for many, including Hossein. He shared his harrowing experience of the flood’s early moments: “The flood hit around 3 o’clock, and we rushed out. I managed to save the children and took them to a higher location. When I returned to save the animals, the flood surged toward me, sweeping me about a hundred meters. Thankfully, I survived.”

Hossein also detailed the impact on his livelihood. “These were our lands where we had cultivated wheat, all of which are now ruined. There is no possibility of using them anymore,” he lamented.

Even the houses that have not been completely destroyed are in critical condition. According to Taliban statistics, in the districts of Burkah and Baghlan-e Markazi alone, 2,665 houses have been destroyed or severely damaged.

Amid these challenges, flood victims have accused the Taliban of failing to provide adequate assistance. They claim to have received minimal support from the authorities, even during rescue operations.