Over the course of the past week, Afghanistan has been facing relentless heavy rainfall, resulting in devastating flash floods that have impacted 11 provinces in the country. According to reports from various sources, including the Afghan Red Crescent Society (ARCS) and the Afghan National Disaster Management Authority (ANDMA), the floods have caused significant loss of life and damage.

As of the latest count, the flash floods have claimed the lives of 48 people and left dozens more injured. The natural disaster has also caused extensive damage to infrastructure and property, with over 800 houses reported as destroyed. Furthermore, the floods have washed away over 11,000 jeribs of agricultural land, posing a serious threat to livelihoods and food security in the affected regions. At least 340 livestock have also perished due to the floods.

The province of Maidan Wardak has been hit the hardest, accounting for the majority of casualties and damages. It recorded 37 of the 48 reported human fatalities, 280 out of 340 lost livestock, and 236 of the 811 damaged houses.

The Afghanistan Meteorological Department has taken precautionary measures and issued red warnings, the highest level on a three-tier scale, for parts of several provinces, including eastern Bamyan, northern Ghazni, Khost, northern Logar, eastern Maidan Wardak, northeastern Paktia, northeastern Paktika, and southern Parwan. The red warnings indicate the potential for further heavy rainfall and increased risk of flooding in these regions.

Authorities are urging residents in low-lying communities near rivers, streams, and creeks to exercise caution as sustained heavy rainfall may trigger additional flooding. They have also issued warnings about possible urban flooding in areas lacking adequate stormwater drainage systems. Furthermore, sites located downstream from large reservoirs or rivers are at risk of flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall.

The situation remains critical, and emergency response teams are on high alert, closely monitoring the weather conditions and providing assistance to the affected communities. The government and humanitarian organizations are working together to provide relief and support to those affected by the catastrophic floods.