According to United Nations agencies, flash floods in the area are believed to have killed at least 300 people, including 51 children, and injured many others. This number is expected to increase as more reports become available.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed his condolences to the families of the victims.
“The United Nations and its partners in Afghanistan are coordinating with authorities on the ground to rapidly assess needs and provide urgent assistance,” his spokesman said in a statement. .
Most casualties were reported in Baghlan province, where Heavy rain destroyed about 3,000 housesFarmland was flooded, livestock was swept away, schools were closed and health centers were damaged.
Takhar and Badakhshan provinces were also affected, with initial reports of at least 300 houses damaged, according to the United Nations Children’s Fund.UNICEF).
United Nations teams mobilized on the ground
Dr. Tajudeen Oyewale, UNICEF Representative in Afghanistan, said on Sunday: “UNICEF and our partners are on the ground and are making every effort to bring rapid relief to families and communities affected”. those.
Supported by UNICEF mobile health and nutrition team were also dispatched and teams are on scene to help conduct additional assessments.
“Heavy rain and subsequent flooding have disrupted life and posed significant danger to children in the affected provinces,” said Dr. Oyewale. “As families cope with loss, maintaining access to clean water, health and protection services is vital. As always, UNICEF stands with the children and people of Afghanistan during these difficult times.”
Aid was deployed quickly
Working with partners, UN agencies distributed aid.
UNICEF sent 450 family kits, 500 hygiene kits, 476 blankets for adults and babies and 100 sets of clothing with support from other United Nations agencies and partners.
Meanwhile, the United Nations migration organization (IOM) distributed aid packages including temporary shelter, essential non-food items, solar modulesclothes and tools to repair their damaged shelter.
United Nations World Food Program (WFP) The time now is distributing energy cakes to flood survivorsaccording to the agency’s post on social media on Sunday.
WFP also said this flood is one of many events that have taken place in recent weeks caused by unusually heavy rains.
Extreme weather requires resilient effort
United Nations relief chief Martin Griffiths said “this Extreme weather events highlight the need for climate-resilient humanitarian efforts.”
Meanwhile, the United Nations relief agency, OCHAHe said in a post on X on Sunday that he was working with partners and national authorities to provide shelter, food and health care.
Afghanistan is one of the 10 most vulnerable countries to climate change and is experiencing an increase in extreme weather conditions, especially floods, droughts, sandstorms and dust, leading to losses. loss of life, livelihoods and significant damage to infrastructure.
