At least 77 people have died in devastating floods across Afghanistan this week, while a magnitude 5.3 earthquake claimed 12 more lives on Friday, according to local officials and international aid organizations. The disasters have destroyed or damaged thousands of homes, exacerbating an already dire humanitarian situation in the country.
The floods, triggered by unusually heavy spring rains, have swept through northern and western provinces, wiping out entire villages. “The water came so fast we couldn’t save anything,” said one survivor in Baghlan province, where entire neighborhoods now lie under mud and debris.
The earthquake struck near the eastern city of Jalalabad, collapsing poorly constructed buildings in rural areas. Rescue efforts have been hampered by damaged infrastructure and ongoing security concerns.
Analysts warn the disasters will strain Afghanistan’s fragile economy and overburdened healthcare system. “This comes at the worst possible time,” said a UN official speaking anonymously due to security protocols. “The country was already facing food insecurity and economic collapse.”
International aid groups are mobilizing relief efforts, but access remains challenging due to both natural obstacles and political complications with the ruling Taliban government.