Death toll from recent flash floods in Afghanistan nears 300

KABUL (Pajhwok): At least 294 people have been killed and 266 others wounded in recent flash floods in 14 provinces of the country during the last eleven days, the State Ministry for Natural Disasters Management said on Tuesday.

Mullah Jan Saiq, spokesman for the ministry, told reporters in Kabul about 14,923 residential houses were partially damaged or completely destroyed in the disaster.

He said the flash floods also killed about 6,655 animals.

He added food, non-food and cash assistance had been provided to the flood-hit people in 14 provinces.

About 17,807 families received emergency aid and 20 million afghanis were distributed to the heirs of martyrs, injured and those losing shelter, he explained.

He said the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA) was committed to reconstructing destroyed homes and providing assistance to the affected people.

Recently flash floods swept through Baghlan, Badakhshan, Ghor, Faryab, Daikundi and number of other provinces, causing heavy life and financial losses.

Earlier, some countries and international organizations had announced assistance for the flood-hit people of Afghanistan.

The European Union today (Tuesday) announced providing €400,000 (over 30 million afghanis) in aid to the victims of recent flooding in northern Afghanistan.

kk/ma