IRC stepping up efforts to assist communities affected by recent flash floods

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is stepping up its efforts to assist communities affected by the recent flash floods in Kabul, Maidan Wardak, and Logar provinces.

In a statement on Wednesday, the organization warned that further floods may occur in the near future.

The floods, triggered by heavy rainfall and intensified by climate change, have caused extensive devastation in many provinces of Afghanistan. According to IRC, more than 1,200 families have been displaced, and over 600 homes have been damaged in Kabul, Maidan Wardak, and Logar provinces.

IRC has called on international donors not to neglect climate financing for the most vulnerable countries, especially when many of these disasters can be predicted.

Mohammed Riyas, the organization’s Regional Emergency Director, emphasized the urgent need for attention and support in Maidan Wardak and Logar provinces as they grapple with the aftermath of these devastating floods, with more rainfall expected in the coming days.

IRC further stated that the humanitarian response plan is less than 25% funded, whilst 28.8 million people are in need of urgent humanitarian assistance in Afghanistan.

In recent years, Afghanistan has experienced frequent natural calamities, including floods, due to factors such as climate change, consecutive droughts, and deforestation.

The recent flash floods have resulted in 47 fatalities, 57 injuries, and significant damage to properties and infrastructure, further compounding the already dire humanitarian situation in the country.