2014 Baghlan floods

On 7 June 2014, a flash flood took place in Baghlan, Afghanistan, killing 73-200 people and leaving 200 missing.

2014 Baghlan floods
Date7 June 2014 (2014-06-07)
LocationBaghlan, Afghanistan
Deaths73-200
Missing200

Background

Afghanistan has an annual rainy season in the north, and the building materials of the houses situated there are "flimsy", consisting of mud.[1]

Floods

The flooding destroyed infrastructure such as bridges and roads, killed 73, and left 200 missing.[2] The flood came after recent flooding in northern Afghanistan.[2] The event killed 65[2]-200[3] The flash flood came in the aftermath of powerful winds, heavy rain, and hail.[4]

Aftermath

Chief of Baghlan police Aminullah Amarkhel gave the location as four villages in Guzargah-e-Nur.[2][3] Helicopters were unable to land due to the floods, and were unable to deliver needed drinking water, medicine, and food.[2] The Guzargah-e-Nur government requested emergency assistance from the federal government.[2] Two military helicopters belonging to the Afghan army were sent to render aid.[2] The flooding meant that thousands of villagers had to move away from their homes after 2,000 homes were destroyed by floodwater.[2] The police estimate of 54 rose to 81, a separate report gave 74 casualties,[1] and the BBC gave a figure of 73.[2] Bodies could afterwards be seen in the river.[5]

Hundreds of houses have damaged or destroyed in Yahya, Jeryan, Zeh Wali, Dahte Khasa, Mir Khel, Yahood, Dahnae Gharoo, Deh Qandee, Koree Naw, Jar Ab, Dashte Khakaye Payeen, Khasaye Payeen villages in Guzargahi Nur district according to the Baghlan Provincial Governor and the ANDMA (Afghanistan National Disasters Management Authority) director. Affected people have been taken in by the local community in surrounding villages ...

Relief supplies are on standby to be transported to the district once the road is cleared. Based on the current estimate from the contractors, the first road will not be open before 13 June 2014 ...

Two teams of contractors are working with excavators to open the blocked roads from both Pul-e-Khumri and Taloqan provincial capitals. Two excavators are working in Eshkasmesh District of Takhar Province to open the road to Guzargah-e-Nur district.[6]

References
  1. "Rescue operation underway in Afghanistan as flood death toll rises". Deutsche Welle. 8 June 2014. Retrieved 8 June 2014.
  2. "Afghanistan flash flood kills dozens in Baghlan province". BBC. 7 June 2014. Retrieved 7 June 2014.
  3. "100 killed in overnight flooding in Afghanistan". PressTV. 7 June 2014. Retrieved 7 June 2014.
  4. "Over 100 killed in Afghanistan rain, floods". Yahoo. 7 June 2014. Retrieved 7 June 2014.
  5. "Flash floods hit Afghanistan, at least 58 dead". Reuters. 7 June 2014. Retrieved 8 June 2014.
  6. UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (2014-06-11). "Afghanistan Flash Floods Situation Report No. 11 as of 1400h (local time) on 11 June 2014 - Afghanistan". ReliefWeb. Retrieved 2014-06-11.
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