Flash floods kill at least 50 in Afghanistan

Flash floods have devastated northern and central Afghanistan in the past week. At least 50 people have died in flash floods triggered by heavy rains in central Afghanistan, officials have said. Authorities in the Ghor province say a number of others are missing, as people ran to safety on higher grounds just minutes before the floodwaters hit. They say the floods have also killed thousands of cattle, destroyed some 2,000 houses, and damaged many more. The fresh bout of heavy rain follows widespread flooding in in northern and central areas this week. Officials say that in the provincial capital, Firozkoh, around 2,000 shops are under water and most roads leading to it have been cut off. A resident there said 'a huge and horrible flood' washed away everything, as he and his family raced to safety after being alerted by officials and from mosque loudspeakers. Zahir Zahid told the AFP news agency: 'I watched the flood destroy my house with my own eyes. Women and children, everyone was crying. ' The province's disaster management department declared an 'emergency situation' and appealed for shelter, food and water.