Flash Floods in Afghanistan’s Herat Province Kill 17 and Leave Dozens Affected

Severe rainfall and sudden flooding have claimed 17 lives in the Kabkan district of Afghanistan’s western Herat province, with 11 others injured. The governor’s spokesperson, Yousef Saeedi, confirmed the deaths and said the flooding followed months of dry weather. Rain began falling across Kabkan and other parts of Herat on Monday, and continuous heavy downpours triggered the deadly flash flood on Thursday.

Mohammad Yousef Hamad, spokesperson for Afghanistan’s National Disaster Management Authority, said rain and snowfall have been hitting northern, southern, western and central regions for several days. The harsh weather has already killed hundreds of livestock and affected at least 1,800 families. Disaster response teams are currently assessing the damage on the ground, and the government is preparing plans to provide assistance to affected households.