Flood-affected families in Herat call for help

HERAT (TOLO news): Herat residents are seeking help from government as many of them have lost their houses and properties in last week’s flash floods which mostly affected central parts of the western province.

Figures by Natural Disasters Management Authority indicate that at least 23 provinces were hit by flash floods in last two weeks, killing 32 people and wounding 29 others. The figures show that 12 people are still missing. The figures also indicate that 1,860 houses were completely destroyed and 11,081 were partially damaged.

The floods hit Guzara, Enjil, Zinda Jan, Ghoryan, Zinda Jan, Rabat-e-Sangi, Pashtun Zarghun, Obe, Shindand and Zawul districts as well as Ishaq Sulaiman, Kashk Bad Saba, Ishaq Abad, Karez Naw and Bagh-e-Dash villages on the outskirts of Herat city, according to local officials. Almost 200 houses have been damaged in the flash floods, the officials said.

Herat residents said government has not paid the required attention to address their problems.

“At least 80 percent of houses in flood-affected districts in Herat has been destroyed,” said Mohammad Hanif Arbabzada, a Herat resident.

“We lost our home and our lands,” said Sher Ahmad, a Herat resident.

Another Herat resident Nasima said she is the head of a five-member family and that the flash floods destroyed their house. She said that they need help.

Head of the Natural Disasters Management Authority in Herat, Hamidullah Mubariz, said dozens of families have been displaced due to the flash floods.

“Efforts are under way in 27 points to control the floods and reduce the vulnerability of areas,” he said.

Herat governor’s spokesman Jailani Farhad said that at least 10 people were killed in the flash floods.

“Unfortunately, this year, we suffered huge losses besides destruction of agricultural lands, farms and homes. The relevant offices has been directed for provide required assistance to the affected families,” Farhad said.

The flash floods in Herat started last week on Thursday following heavy rains and the local government announced emergency status in vulnerable areas.