<p style="text-align: justify;">QALA-I-NAW (Pajhwok): At least eight people have died and two others were injured following heavy rainfall and flash floods in western Badghis province.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">In a statement, the Department of Land Transport said the Qala-i-Naw–Herat highway has been closed to traffic since Sunday night due to heavy rains and damage to parts of the road.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The statement added that all routes connecting districts to the provincial centre have also been temporarily closed due to intense rainfall and flooding.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The department urged travellers to avoid unnecessary journeys and noted that relevant authorities are taking measures to reopen transportation routes.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Meanwhile, Rahmuddin Rahimi, spokesman for the Badghis governor, confirmed that eight people have so far lost their lives and two others have been injured as a result of flash floods in the province.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">He also called on residents to stay away from high-risk areas and seek shelter in safe locations.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">hz/sa</p>
