11 May 2024 | 01:33 PM UTC
Afghanistan: Flood-related damage and casualties in multiple provinces as of late May 11 /update 2
Hundreds of casualties in severe flooding in Badakhshan, Baghlan, Ghor, Herat, and Takhar provinces, Afghanistan.
As of late May 11, recent flooding in parts of Afghanistan has left hundreds of people dead. The UN World Food Program has reported that at least 311 people have died in Baghlan Province. In addition, approximately 4,000 residential properties are either destroyed or damaged. Government officials earlier indicated that flood-related damage and casualties had impacted a number of provinces, including Badakhshan, Baghlan, Ghor, Herat, and Takhar. Emergency response operations are ongoing. A state of emergency has reportedly been declared in impacted locations. It is likely that road routes across the impacted provinces have been impacted.
Further sustained heavy rainfall could trigger additional flooding in low-lying communities near rivers, streams, and creeks. Urban flooding is also possible in developed areas with easily overwhelmed or a lack of stormwater drainage systems. Sites downstream from large reservoirs or rivers may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall. Landslides are possible in hilly or mountainous areas, especially where the soil has become saturated by heavy rainfall.
Floodwaters and debris flows may render some bridges or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in and around affected areas. Ponding on road surfaces could cause hazardous driving conditions on regional highways. Authorities could temporarily close some low-lying routes that become inundated by floodwaters. Disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are possible where significant flooding or landslides impact utility networks. Severe weather could also trigger flight delays and cancelations at airports in the affected areas.
Health
Flooding could heighten the threat of disease outbreaks. Backflow from drains mixed with floodwaters can become trapped in open areas when inundations recede. These stagnant pools often become a breeding ground for mosquitoes and bacteria, increasing the incidence of insect- and water-borne diseases. Exposure to contaminated water from inundated industrial sites, sewer systems, and septic tanks also poses a significant health threat.
Monitor local media for updated emergency and weather information. Seek updated information on weather and road conditions before driving or routing shipments through areas where severe weather has occurred. Plan accordingly for potential delivery delays if routing shipments by truck through affected areas. Stay away from streams, creeks, and other watercourses that are prone to flash flooding. Do not attempt to navigate flooded roadways. Exercise caution in elevated terrain due to the threat of landslides. Keep important documents and necessary medications in waterproof containers.
Observe strict food and water precautions, as authorities could issue boil-water advisories following flooding events. Take precautions against insect- and waterborne diseases in the coming days. Review contingency plans and be prepared to move quickly to shelters if evacuation orders are issued. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.
