Baghlan, Afghanistan - May 16, 2024

Heavy rains that have lashed 21 districts in north-eastern Afghanistan since 10 May have caused massive damage. Save the Children reported that in Baghlan province alone, the worst affected, 40,000 children were left homeless. The death toll has risen to 300 according to estimates by the UN World Food Programme (WFP), of which at least 51 are children, Unicef added. Pope Francis also recalled this tragedy in today's audience, and urged the international community to step up aid.

Several humanitarian organisations are working on the ground, but "communications are totally disrupted and we cannot talk to our colleagues," an Italian volunteer told AsiaNews.

The Taliban reported that more than 12,000 houses have been damaged or destroyed, affecting some 80,000 people, but figures provided by the de facto authorities and international agencies differ. Bridges, roads, schools and hospitals have also collapsed. Health services were suspended in at least 11 clinics in Baghlan and Takhar provinces, putting pressure on health centres that are still operational.

Damage to infrastructure is making it difficult for international agencies and NGOs to reach survivors. Most of Baghlan is "inaccessible to trucks", WFP spokespersons said, explaining that they were resorting to all possible alternatives to get food to the victims.

This footage illustrates floods in Baghlan, Afghanistan.