THREE thousand people are feared dead in flash floods
caused by heavy rains in northeastern Afghanistan in the
first week of September. A nine metre-high tidal wave
brought torrents of mud and boulders down three river
valleys in the Hindu Kush mountains sweeping away
hundreds of houses. Thousands of hectares of crops and
kilometres of vital irrigation canals were destroyed or
choked with mud. A large number of the houses destroyed
had just been rebuilt by villagers who have returned home
after 14 years of civil war. Flood intensity grew as the
artificial dams of trees and mud blocking the Panjsher
river broke.
The Afghanistan government has set up a commission
to help the survivors. But lack of funds may proveto be
a big stumbling block. In-fighting has left the four-
month-old Islamic government in a shambles and has led to
a drastic fall in international help. Given the
situation, it may be weeks before relief actually reaches
the survivors.
We are a voice to you; you have been a support to us. Together we build journalism that is independent, credible and fearless. You can further help us by making a donation. This will mean a lot for our ability to bring you news, perspectives and analysis from the ground so that we can make change together.
Comments are moderated and will be published only after the site moderator’s approval. Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name. Selected comments may also be used in the ‘Letters’ section of the Down To Earth print edition.