Afghan National Defense and Security Forces (ANDSF) have rescued hundreds of people as flash floods triggered by heavy rainfall hit most of the southern and western provinces of the country.
At least 20 people have been killed, including several children, UN relief officials say.
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said on March 2 that floods washed away homes and vehicles after heavy rains hit Kandahar city and surrounding districts.
“At least 10 people, including children, are still missing,” the UN agency said. “It is anticipated that up to 2,000 homes may have been damaged.”
It added that severe damage to regional infrastructure was reported.
Families hit by the flooding have been evacuated in the region as crews also battle to secure schools, mosques, and government buildings.
Abdul Hanan Moneeb, Kandahar’s deputy governor, said the flooding was the worst in at least seven years. He said many nomadic herders in the area had their camps and livestock washed away by the floodwaters.
Floods and heavy rainfall also wreaked havoc in western Farah province, as officials say dozens of houses have been swept away or damaged.
Governor of the province, Shoaib Sabit, told Pajhwok Afghan News that the damages took place in Anar Dara, Shibkoh, Pustukoh and Khak Safid district and in Farah City, the provincial capital.
He said 80 percent of the province suffered huge losses and thousands of homes destroyed.
The provincial administration is unable to deliver immediate assistance, the governor said, urging the central government to immediately provide emergency aid to the flood-hit families.
In the meantime, Afghan National Defense and Security Forces have rescued hundreds of people trapped in the floods.
Ministry of Defense said in a statement on Monday that in addition to their main duties and responsibilities which are ensuring security and peace, and targeting terror groups, security forces responded to humanitarian needs and rescued people stuck in the flood.
Due to heavy snow and rainfall over the past few days, a number of residential houses were destroyed and people were caught in flood.
Afghan National Army rescue teams responded immediately and rescued families who were trapped.
As per instruction of MoD and General Staff’s leadership, Afghan National Army rescue teams were dispatched to the areas hit by floods. Rescue operation and distribution of humanitarian aid have already begun in the areas.