Flood emergency ‘remains critical’ in Afghanistan: WHO

KABUL: The emergency in areas of Afghanistan hardest hit by flash floods that killed hundreds of people “remains critical”, the World Health Organisation said, with authorities on Wednesday predicting more bad weather.

Taliban authorities and the World Food Programme said more than 300 people were killed at the end of last week when flash floods ripped through several provinces in Afghanistan.

Destruction of roads and swollen waterways have hampered rescue efforts and made it difficult for aid teams to reach many of the worst-affected areas, with northern Baghlan province the hardest hit.

“The flood emergency situation in Baghlan province... remains critical,” the WHO said in a situation report late on Tuesday.

“Thousands of individuals are still displaced, urgently requiring food, shelter, and immediate health services.”

UN agencies and Taliban officials have warned that death tolls could rise, with internet disruption making it difficult to assess the situation in some villages, days after the disaster hit.

NGOs and the government have reported thousands of houses damaged and destroyed, livestock lost and acres of land ruined, but there are disparities in exact figures.

“Aid agencies continue facing substantial challenges in reaching affected populations due to the extensive damage to transportation infrastructure, including roads and bridges,” the WHO said.

More bad weather could further stall aid, with the Afghan weather department warning of more rain in parts of Baghlan and other northern provinces in the coming days.