Afghanistan floods: ‘I found my family's bodies in the streets’

The recent floods in Afghanistan have resulted in widespread devastation and loss for numerous families. Noor Mohammed, a 75-year-old resident, was just 100m away from his home when he heard the deadly roar of water approaching. He rushed towards his house, where his wife, sister, son, and two grandchildren were resting, but it was too late. The sudden torrent of water swept away his family and home, leaving him feeling helpless and devastated. The flash floods, caused by heavy storms following a dry winter, have led to over 300 deaths and the destruction of 2,000 homes in the Baghlan province. The provinces of Badakhshan, Ghor, and western Herat have also suffered severe damage. Noor Mohammed's village, which is still inaccessible by road, has witnessed the loss of at least two or three relatives in most families, creating an urgent need for assistance. The aftermath of the floods has left families searching for the bodies of their loved ones, while also dealing with the loss of crops and livestock, impacting their livelihoods. Even before the floods, a significant portion of the Afghan population required humanitarian aid, and the recent disaster has further exacerbated the situation, leaving many with nothing.