Afghanistan floods kill over 300, international aid urged

Northern Afghanistan is grappling with the aftermath of heavy seasonal rains that have resulted in catastrophic flooding. The death toll has surpassed 300, with many more injured and over 1,000 homes destroyed, according to officials from the UN World Food Program (WFP).

The WFP's figures are twice as high as the death toll reported earlier on May 11 by a spokesman for the Taliban-led government's Interior Ministry. Ministry spokesman Abdul Mateen Qaniee confirmed that at least 135 people were injured.

Initially, Baghlan Province was reported to be among the hardest-hit areas. However, officials have now added Badakhshan, Ghor, and Herat provinces to the list of severely affected regions.

Expressing "profound sorrow," Afghan government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid cited a "grievous toll" in these four regions, along with "extensive devastation” and “significant financial losses.”

On May 11, the Defense Ministry announced that air forces were evacuating stranded residents in Baghlan and had transported some to military hospitals.

The Afghan government, recognized only by China, continues to work with a number of countries to alleviate the humanitarian hardships that have persisted since the Taliban captured most of the country in mid-2021. This followed the withdrawal of U.S.-led international troops and the flight of the UN-backed government.

In response to the crisis, several global organizations have called on the international community to provide immediate aid to the flood-affected people in Afghanistan. The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), the United Nations, and Save the Children issued calls for assistance following the heavy floods that swept through the four provinces of Afghanistan. (ILKHA)