Daikundi floods wash away houses, animals

BAMYANCITY(PAN): Seasonal floods have destroyed 22 houses and washed away 50 animals in central Daikundi province, an official said on Saturday.

The overnight flooding in Eshtarli district also forced several families from their houses, a provincial council member told Pajhwok Afghan News.

Hadi Rahimi Zada said the families managed to flee homes, leaving behind all household items.

Mohammad Qasim, one of the victims, said he and his family had taken shelter in a village mountain. They urgently needed assistance, including food, he said.

“We have lost all our belongings and no one has so far asked about our well-being,” he complained, saying they were without shelter and meals.

Children could starve to death if food assistance was not provided soon, Qasim warned, saying: “We are forced to move elsewhere for survival, because life in our village is no more possible.”

Governor Qurban Ali Uruzgani said he had directed the district chief to visit the flood-stricken village and help the victims.

He acknowledged receiving information about the destruction of houses and livestock losses over the telephone. However, he had no specific figures.

With provincial authorities unable to help the affected families, Uruzgani said the Afghanistan Natural Disaster Management Authority was yet to respond to their requests for emergency aid.

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