29 Mar 2019 | 11:27 PM UTC
Afghanistan: Flooding leaves at least 19 dead in west and north as of Mar. 29
Flash flooding leaves at least 19 people dead in Herat, Badghis, and Faryab provinces as of March 29; officials in Herat province issue emergency status due to flooding
Event
Recent heavy rainfall and consequent flash flooding have left at least 19 people dead and 20 others injured in Herat, Badghis, and Faryab provinces as of Friday, March 29. Officials in Herat province had issued an emergency status due to flood-related damages and casualties as of Thursday, March 28; notably, the Herat-Torghandi highway was temporarily closed due to flooding. Hundreds of houses have been damaged or destroyed in affected areas.
Lingering transportation and business disruptions are to be expected in affected areas of Afghanistan over the coming days.
Advice
Individuals in the affected areas are advised to monitor local weather reports, adhere to instructions issued by local authorities, anticipate flooding and associated transportation and business disruptions, including due to road closures, and remember that walking or driving through running water can be dangerous - 15 cm (6 in) of moving water is enough to knock over an adult - and that floodwater may contain wastewater and chemical products; all items having come into contact with floodwater should be disinfected and all foodstuffs discarded.
The security environment in Afghanistan remains complex. Professional security advice and support should be sought prior to travel.
