Flash floods in Afghanistan kill at least 30 people, with scores missing

The majority of casualties were killed in the Jalrez district, east of Kabul, while a handful more died in the capital as the Central Asian country witnesses annual heavy monsoon rains.

World

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The New Arab Staff & Agencies

23 July, 2023

Afghanistan is prone to flooding during summer, which kills scores of people annually [Getty]

At least 30 people have been killed in Afghanistan after floods caused by a heavy monsoon rain spell washed away homes, a disaster ministry official said on Sunday.

Mohammad Shafi Rahimi, the ministry spokesman, said 26 of the deaths occurred in Jalrez district, 46 km (29 miles) east of Kabul, after the rain washed away hundreds of houses, most of them built of earth.

Four more people died in Kabul, and a total of over 70 were injured in both the districts, he said, adding at least 40 other people were missing.

Rahimi also added around 250 livestock perished in the floods.

At least 50 dead in Afghanistan flash floods: ministry

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Afghan Taliban's spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid issued a condolence message, calling on aid groups and the Kabul administration to help the bereaved families.

Although Afghanistan lies on the western edge of the Asian monsoon footprint, flash floods happen regularly during the wet season as heavy rain courses down dry riverbeds.

Last year's monsoon flooding killed dozens of people in Afghanistan, washing away hundreds of houses and livestock.

(Reuters)