Deadly floods, landslides sweep Afghanistan, leaving 17 dead

Severe floods and landslides across several regions of Afghanistan have claimed the lives of 17 people, a spokesperson for the country’s National Disaster Management Authority, Yousuf Hammad, said.

At least 26 others have been injured, and search and rescue operations are ongoing, meaning the death toll could rise, The Associated Press (AP) reports.

The disaster has affected 13 of Afghanistan’s 34 provinces, mainly in the western, central, and northwestern parts of the country.

“The severe weather also left 147 homes either completely or partially destroyed, wiped out 80 kilometers (about 50 miles) of roads and destroyed agricultural land and irrigation canals and businesses,” Hammad added.

Forecasters warn that heavy rainfall is expected to continue, with further flooding possible in eastern and central areas of the country.

By Jeyhun Aghazada