KABUL, AFGHANISTAN – Heavy rains and flooding in southeastern Ghazni province have killed at least three people and caused significant financial losses for residents, according to Taliban authorities.
In a statement on Monday, August 19, the Taliban-run National Radio and Television (RTA) in Ghazni stated that the flood occurred in Dih Yak district on Sunday, resulting in the deaths of a woman and two children.
Hamidullah Nisar, the head of the Taliban provincial department for information and culture, was quoted in the statement detailing that all the victims were residents of Paktia province. Their vehicle overturned while crossing the flood, resulting in the deaths of the passengers.
Meanwhile, the Taliban meteorological department has warned of the possibility of heavy rainfall, storms, and flash floods in 15 provinces, including Ghazni, throughout this week.
The department has also reported the possibility of strong winds with dust in the northern, western, southern, eastern, and central provinces, with speeds expected to range from 50 to 80 kilometers per hour in various areas.
Afghanistan has been grappling with incessant heavy rains and flooding in recent months, resulting in the deaths and injuries of hundreds of people in many provinces. It has also claimed the lives of thousands of livestock and caused significant financial losses for the already impoverished population.
According to the UN, the rains and floods in May and April alone have resulted in the deaths of over 500 people and injuries to nearly 2,000 others in Afghanistan. Approximately 80,000 people have been affected by the disaster, with over 10,000 homes destroyed or damaged, leading to the displacement of thousands of families.
The country is one of the most vulnerable to natural disasters, including floods, earthquakes, avalanches, landslides, and drought. It is also among the poorest in the world, burdened by decades of conflict, and is particularly susceptible to extreme weather events associated with climate change.
These natural disasters highlight the population’s vulnerability following the Taliban’s takeover in August 2021. The country is currently experiencing the world’s worst humanitarian crisis, exacerbated by declining international aid commitments.
The UN reports that over 23.7 million people in Afghanistan—more than half of the population—urgently require lifesaving aid this year. Despite appealing for $3 billion in funding, the organization has received only 25% of the requested amount.
