Hundreds of deaths occurred due to severe flash floods in northern Afghanistan
Rick Noack reports for The Washington Post.
In short:
- Severe flash floods in Afghanistan's northern and western regions have left around 300 people dead, with many more potentially trapped.
- The floods were caused by "unprecedented rainfall," heavily damaging Baghlan province and destroying thousands of homes.
- Afghanistan's health system struggles to cope, heavily reliant on international aid amidst ongoing crises.
Key quote:
"We just grabbed our children and we ran."
— Reza Gul, survivor
Why this matters:
The recent tragedy in Afghanistan is yet another example of the dire effects of climate change on vulnerable regions. For healthcare professionals and policymakers, it emphasizes the urgent need to enhance disaster preparedness and response capabilities in regions prone to natural calamities, especially as climate change intensifies such events. Read more: Disaster by choice: The need to create a culture of warning and safety.
