Flash floods, avalanches leave 37 persons dead

JALALABAD (Pajhwok): At least eight persons have died and tens of houses destroyed as a result of flash floods in eastern Nangarhar, Laghman and Nuristan provinces and 29 people lost their lives in fresh avalanche in Parwan, Takhar and Nooristan provinces, officials said Wednesday.

The floods triggered by continues downpour from the past 30 hours in the provinces that could bring the death toll even higher.

Sarhadi Zwak, the governor’s spokesman for Laghman province, told Pajhwok Afghan News based initial information, four people were died, a number of houses destroyed and hundreds of farmland damaged by the floods.

He said that snowfalls in Dawlat Shah district inflicted heavy financial losses on residents and blocked the district road to Farshghan area.

He added that a family of 50 members in Bila village of Qarghaio district stuck in floods was rescued by the 201 Silab Military Corps.

On the other hand, Ahmad Zia Abdulzai, the spokesman of Nangarhar governor, said four children were dead in floods in Zangoyee area of Behsood district. The floods also damaged some areas in Chaparhar and Lalpori districts.

Khar Kochai, a resident of Zangoyee area of the district, said four children of a family were missing in floods.

Musa Shami, spokesman for Nuristan governor, said that the roads of Kamdish and Duab districts were blocked to Delaram district due to water overflow.

Meanwhile, 29 persons including women and children lost their lives in avalanches in different parts of Parwan, Takhar and Nooristan provinces, officials said.

Shah Wali Shahid, deputy governor, told Pajhwok Afghan News the province witnessed heavy snowfalls in the last two days.

“The avalanche left five persons dead in Sighan district, three in Shinwari district, two in Salang and as many in Charikar” he added.

According to deputy governor, majority of the roads have been blocked and districts disconnected from the provincial capital due to snow.

Lt. Gen. Mohammad Rajab, Salang maintainance head, promised that operations were underway to open Salang pass for traffic and said it would take at least two more days.

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