Devastating Flash Floods Claim over 100 Lives in Pakistan and Afghanistan
Recent unexpected heavy rainfall has wreaked havoc in Pakistan and Afghanistan, resulting in the tragic loss of over 100 lives in both countries. Authorities have reported the catastrophic impact of the flash floods that have struck the region.
Unusual heavy rainfall has hit Pakistan and Afghanistan recently, resulting in the tragic deaths of over 100 individuals in both countries, as reported by authorities.
Preliminary reports from Mullah Janan Sayeq, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Disaster Management, indicate that in Afghanistan alone, 66 people lost their lives and 36 others were injured due to the heavy rain and resulting floods in 23 provinces.
Sayeq reported that 600 animals perished and over 1,200 homes were completely or partially destroyed during the flood.
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs in Afghanistan disclosed on Tuesday that the intense rainfall and floods have impacted over 1,200 families and caused damage to nearly 1,000 houses, as stated in a release on X.
More than 63,000 acres of land have been affected by the damage. The UN and its partners are currently evaluating the impact, identifying the needs, and offering assistance.
People wade through a street flooded by heavy rain in Peshawar, Pakistan on April 15, 2024.
People wade through a street flooded by heavy rain in Peshawar, Pakistan on April 15, 2024.
Muhammad Sajjad/AP
Afghanistan has faced years of conflict and natural disasters, with over 150 people losing their lives due to harsh winter conditions and flash floods last year. In addition, a powerful 6.3 magnitude earthquake in October caused the death of over 2,000 people in the western Herat province.
Since the Taliban assumed control in August 2021, Afghanistan has experienced a worsening economic and humanitarian crisis, making it challenging to deliver much-needed aid to the country.
Several major foreign aid groups stopped their operations in the country in late 2022 because a hardline Islamist group demanded that all local and international non-governmental organizations cease employing female staff.
The severe rain continues to cause chaos in neighboring Pakistan, with 32 people reported dead in the northwestern province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, as stated by the provincial disaster management authority.
Houses submerged after heavy rains flood Nowshera district, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on April 16, 2024.
Houses submerged after heavy rains flood Nowshera district, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on April 16, 2024.
Abdul Majeed/AFP/Getty Images
Eight more people died in the southwestern province of Balochistan, according to provincial authorities.
Nearly 170 houses were completely destroyed and over 1,250 were partially damaged, according to local authorities. The country's meteorological office also issued a warning for more rainfall in Balochistan on Wednesday, with the possibility of it extending to the rest of Pakistan on Thursday.
The heavy downpours in the region at this time of year are uncommon, as Pakistan usually experiences the monsoon season from June to September.
Pakistan is considered one of the most climate-vulnerable countries globally, even though it contributes less than 1% of the world's greenhouse gas emissions.
The nation has experienced severe climate impacts, such as unprecedented heatwaves and devastating floods that affected one-third of the country in 2022. These extreme weather events are worsened by the ongoing climate crisis.
Editor's P/S:
The recent heavy rainfall in Pakistan and Afghanistan has left a devastating trail of destruction and loss. The tragic deaths of over 100 people, hundreds of injuries, and the destruction of homes and infrastructure are a heart-wrenching reminder of the human toll of natural disasters. The impact on vulnerable communities is particularly concerning, as many were already struggling with poverty and conflict.
The ongoing climate crisis is exacerbating the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, making countries like Pakistan and Afghanistan increasingly vulnerable. Pakistan, despite its low greenhouse gas emissions, ranks among the most climate-vulnerable countries globally. The nation has witnessed a series of devastating climate-related disasters in recent years, including heatwaves, floods, and droughts. These events have not only caused widespread suffering but also hindered economic development and strained resources. The international community must prioritize supporting these countries in building resilience and adapting to the changing climate.
