Death Toll from Flooding and Landslides in Afghanistan Rises to 110

KABUL, Afghanistan -- Afghanistan's Disaster Management Authority announced on Monday that the death toll from extreme weather events, including widespread flooding and landslides, has reached at least 110 people. Seven individuals remain missing, presumed carried away by floodwater, and forecasts indicate additional heavy rain in the coming days.

The severe weather, characterized by storms and heavy rainfall, started approximately 12 days ago and has impacted most of Afghanistan's 34 provinces. In the past 24 hours, 11 people died and six were injured, according to the authority. Over the 12-day period, the events have also resulted in 160 injuries.

Property damage has been extensive, with 958 homes completely destroyed and 4,155 partially damaged. More than 325 kilometers of roads have been affected, along with businesses, agricultural land, irrigation canals, and freshwater wells. These damages have impacted 6,122 families.

The authority noted that the figures are preliminary.

The Defense Ministry reported using a helicopter on Monday to airlift two people to safety after they were stranded by floodwater in Herat province in western Afghanistan. Two major highways remain closed due to landslides and floods. The Kabul to Jalalabad highway, a primary route connecting the capital to the Pakistani border and eastern provinces, has been shut since last Thursday.

The road from Jalalabad to Kunar and Nuristan provinces northeastward has been closed since Sunday due to falling rocks, requiring travelers to use longer alternative routes. Authorities have issued weather warnings for Tuesday across nearly the entire country, advising residents to avoid rivers and flood-prone areas.

Lightning strikes have also contributed to the casualties and damage.