50 killed, many missing as flash floods wreak havoc in Northern Afghanistan

Flash floods from seasonal rains in the northern province of Baghlan killed at least 50 people on Friday, a Taliban official said, adding that the death toll may rise

Ministry spokesman Abdul Mateen Qaniee told Reuters that there had been flooding in more than five districts in Baghlan after heavy rains and that some families were stuck and in need of urgent help. He said that the death toll was preliminary and that it “might rise as many people are missing.”

“The Ministry of Interior has sent teams and helicopters to the area, but due to a shortage of night vision lights in helicopters, the operation may not be successful,” he said.

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In April, at least 70 people died from heavy rains and flash flooding in the country. About 2,000 homes, three mosques, and four schools were damaged last month. Thousands of people require humanitarian assistance. The flooding also damaged agriculture land and 2,500 animals died in the deluges.

With inputs from agencies.