Flash flooding has resulted in the tragic loss of over 300 lives in Afghanistan. The devastating floods occurred as a result of heavy seasonal rains that submerged several eastern provinces. One of the hardest-hit areas is Baghlan Province, where entire villages were completely washed away. The scenes from this region paint a grim picture of the widespread destruction caused by the flash floods.
Flash flooding in Baghlan province, Afghanistan, caused by spring rain and snowmelt, has devastated approximately eight districts, resulting in a rising death toll of over 300. Due to the flooding, numerous villages have been completely isolated.
Villagers continue to carry their loved ones to cemeteries, where they are laid to rest in the ever-expanding rows of graves.
Afghan families gather to offer prayers during a burial ceremony, honoring the victims who tragically lost their lives due to flash floods caused by heavy rainfall. The solemn event takes place in a village located in the Baghlan-e-Markazi district of Baghlan province on May 11, 2024.
“The devastating flash floods left our homes in ruins,” one mourner shared with Reuters. “I tragically lost 13 beloved family members, including women and children. The destruction also extended to our livestock, which suffered immense losses.”
According to different media sources, the number of casualties from the incident varies. The World Health Organization (WHO) stated that 315 villagers lost their lives, with 1,630 people sustaining injuries. Additionally, 665 homes were destroyed, and 1,000 livestock animals perished. On the other hand, the NC4 reporting agency reported a higher toll, with over 347 deaths, 2,500 residences destroyed, and 2,800 homes damaged. So far, no organization has made an estimation regarding the number of missing individuals.
A heartwarming video has emerged from Brazil, showing the heroic actions of a soldier who went above and beyond to save a baby from a flood. In the midst of a heavy downpour, the soldier noticed a baby trapped inside a house that was rapidly filling with water. Without hesitation, he grabbed a hammer and skillfully broke through the roof to rescue the child. The incredible moment was captured on video and has since gone viral, leaving viewers in awe of the soldier’s bravery and quick thinking. This act of heroism serves as a powerful reminder of the selflessness and courage exhibited by those who put their lives on the line to protect others.
Flash flooding has wreaked havoc across several provinces in eastern Afghanistan due to heavy spring rains, resulting in the devastating loss of lives and entire villages being swept away. The death toll has already exceeded 300, highlighting the severity of the situation.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the devastating catastrophe has resulted in the loss of over 300 lives, leaving numerous others unaccounted for and causing a widespread homelessness crisis. It is reported that hundreds of individuals are currently trapped in their residences, buried under rubble and mud. The ongoing rescue and search efforts indicate that the number of casualties may increase significantly in the coming days.
A heartwarming rescue took place in Brazil as firefighters came to the aid of a horse stranded on a rooftop due to severe floods. The incredible footage captured the moment the firefighters successfully rescued the horse, ensuring its safety and well-being. This incident serves as a reminder of the bravery and dedication of our firefighters, who go above and beyond to protect not only humans but also animals in times of need.
“We are left with nothing. The floods have taken away our food, drinking water, shelter, blankets – everything,” the mourner expressed, with a sense of despair. The devastating floods have left only a mere two or three houses standing out of the original 42. The entire valley has been ravaged by the destructive force of the floods.”
Six villages have been completely isolated from humanitarian teams and first responders. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), country officials are planning to deploy response teams via air drop using Air Force helicopters in the coming days. The WHO has described the floods as “catastrophic” and an unprecedented event.
According to the WMO situation report, the full scale of the damage caused by the disaster is still unknown and the country is facing a lack of resources to effectively deal with such a massive catastrophe. The report highlights that numerous health facilities have been impacted and are currently unable to function.
The organization has observed a significant rise in waterborne diseases, including diarrhea and skin infections. Due to the extensive damage to roads, U.N. relief workers are now delivering food and medication using donkeys.
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The World Food Programme of the United Nations stated that it had to utilize all available means to deliver food to the survivors who have lost everything. Currently, the majority of the flooded areas are still inaccessible by truck.
The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) and FOX Weather have joined forces to provide critical weather information to vulnerable communities around the world. This partnership aims to leverage the expertise of both organizations to enhance early warning systems and improve disaster preparedness and response.
Through this collaboration, the WFP will have access to FOX Weather’s advanced meteorological data and forecasting tools. This will enable the organization to better anticipate and respond to weather-related emergencies, such as hurricanes, droughts, floods, and extreme temperatures. By leveraging FOX Weather’s cutting-edge technology, the WFP will be able to provide more accurate and timely information to communities at risk, helping them to make informed decisions and take necessary actions to mitigate the impact of severe weather events.
In addition to providing weather data, FOX Weather will also support the WFP in raising awareness about the importance of preparedness and resilience in the face of climate change. Through their platform, FOX Weather will share educational content and stories about the impact of extreme weather events on vulnerable communities, highlighting the need for action and support.
This partnership comes at a critical time when the world is facing increasing climate-related challenges. With climate change exacerbating the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, it is crucial for organizations like the WFP and FOX Weather to collaborate and leverage their respective strengths to protect and support vulnerable communities. By combining their expertise, resources, and reach, they can make a significant difference in the lives of millions of people affected by climate-related disasters.
The U.N. reported that in Baghlan, Afghanistan, a large portion of the impacted regions cannot be reached by trucks. They further stated that the World Food Program (WFP) had to explore various alternatives in order to deliver food to the survivors who have lost everything.
The isolated villagers’ ability to seek food, medicine, and higher ground is also affected by the loss of livestock.
The Minister of Refugees in Afghanistan shared on social media that it is important to remember that the recent incidents have caused damage to camels. As a result, many people in Baghlan and other flood-affected provinces such as Badakhshan, Takhar, Herat, and Ghor are in need of emergency humanitarian aid.
The region was still recovering from the devastating floods in March and experiencing continuous heavy rainfall in recent weeks.
The death toll in Afghanistan has risen to at least 2,400 following a series of powerful earthquakes that struck the country.
On April 25, 2024, in the Mitarlam district of Laghman province, Afghanistan, a detailed shot captures the aftermath of a devastating flood, showing the extent of damage caused to a house.
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