Over 100 killed in Afghanistan flash floods

KABUL: Flash floods in Afghanistan have killed more than 100 people and destroyed hundreds of houses near Kabul.

Troops pulled dozens of victims from the rubble of collapsed buildings in Charikar, capital of Parwan province after torrential overnight rains caused fierce floods across the city.

Officials and witnesses said many children were among the dead. Piles of rocks from destroyed buildings were scattered across the city with roads blocked by mud and debris and cars flipped on their side.

Afghanistan’s state ministry for disaster management said the death toll from the floods had risen to  100, with about 100 other people injured and nearly 500 houses destroyed.

In parts of Charikar, residents gathered to see rescue workers use heavy machinery to pull their loved ones from the wreckage. Many residents stood on rooftops under continued heavy rain holding on to their salvaged belongings.

Flash floods were also reported in other provinces including Nangarhar, Panjshir, Wardak, Loghar,  Paktika and Kapisa.

In Surobi district of Kabul province, a flash flood killed eight people and injured 13 more, said provincial public health director Khushal Nabizada.

Torrential downpours and flash floods killed scores of people annually in Afghanistan. Many poorly built homes, mostly in rural areas are at risk of collapse during the rains in the impoverished country.

Earlier this month, 15 children were killed and dozens of houses were destroyed when flash floods ravaged a village in the eastern province of Nangarhar.

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani had ordered emergency relief to be sent to Charikar, the presidential palace said in a statement.