The International Rescue Committee (IRC) has deployed a mobile health team to the worst affected areas of Surkhrod district in Nangarhar after heavy windstorms, rain, and flash floods across the province left at least 35 dead and hundreds injured.
The storms hit on Monday and struck many areas across Afghanistan, including Jalalabad city, Surkhrod, Lalpura, Goshta, Momanadara, Batikot and Behsud districts of Nangarhar.
Thousands of people have been left stranded without access to services and basic facilities, and hundreds of homes have been destroyed.
The IRC said on Tuesday it has deployed a mobile health team to the worst affected areas of Surkhrod district in Nangarhar, and is preparing to deploy two emergency response teams, who will deliver emergency health services to those who have been injured or are cut off from accessing mainstream services as a result of the storms.
The storms have led to widespread damage and casualties. Infrastructure such as bridges, roads, and homes has been destroyed, the IRC stated.
This area is still recovering from devastating floods that occurred two months ago, with many families still sheltering outside as they struggle to rebuild their homes.
Salma ben Aissa, IRC Afghanistan Director, said: “The loss of life and devastation in flood-affected areas is a fresh disaster for Afghanistan. Our thoughts are with the people impacted by this tragedy and the first responders working to rescue and provide medical care to families and individuals.
“As part of the response efforts, the International Rescue Committee in Afghanistan is mobilizing teams to provide crucial support to the affected areas and deploying teams to conduct assessments and provide emergency health services to those in need,” she said.
According to her, the continuation of climate-induced disasters in Afghanistan should be cause for grave concern. She pointed out that decades of conflict and the economic crisis has meant the country has faced setback after setback as it tries to find its feet.
“The sad reality is that without a massive increase in support from donors and the international community, many more will lose their lives,” she said.
