Floods, landslides caused by extreme weather claimed nearly 110 lives

KABUL, Afghanistan: Nearly 110 people have died from the extreme weather that has triggered widespread flooding and landslides in many parts of Afghanistan, with another seven people missing and more heavy rain forecast.

Officials said that storms and heavy rain started across Afghanistan about 12 days ago and have affected most of its 34 provinces. In just the last 24 hours, 11 people have died, and six have been injured.

The Disaster Management Authority said seven people are missing and are believed to have been swept away by floodwaters.

In total, over the past 12 days, floods, landslides, and lightning have killed 110 people and injured 160. Nearly 1,000 homes have been destroyed, and more than 4,000 others have been partly damaged.

The Defense Ministry said it used a helicopter to rescue two people who were trapped by floodwaters in Herat.

More than 202 miles of roads have been destroyed. Businesses, farms, irrigation systems, and wells have also been damaged, affecting over 6,000 families. Officials said these numbers are only early estimates.

Authorities warned people across almost the whole country to stay away from rivers and flood-prone areas.

Earlier this year, heavy snow and sudden floods had already killed many people.

Two major highways have been closed for days due to landslides and floods, forcing travelers to take longer routes. The road from Kabul to Jalalabad has been shut since April 2. Another road from Jalalabad to the provinces of Kunar and Nuristan has been closed since April 5 due to falling rocks.

Snow and heavy rain often cause sudden floods in Afghanistan, which can kill many people at once. In 2024, more than 300 people died in flash floods during the spring.

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