KABUL, July 29 (Xinhua) -- At least 351 people have lost their lives and 436 others were injured in rain-related disasters across Afghanistan over the past four months, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) said on Tuesday.
Torrential rains, accompanied by violent thunderstorms and lightning, have triggered widespread floods and landslides, resulting in significant loss of life and extensive destruction, according to Taj Mohammad Hemat, deputy spokesperson for the authority.
The devastating weather has destroyed 2,321 residential houses and partially damaged another 8,036, while washing away 644 km of rural roads and inundating 35,973 acres of farmland. A total of 24,035 families have been affected nationwide, the official added.
Afghanistan has endured prolonged drought in recent years, raising hopes that the current rainy season would provide much-needed relief. However, the heavy downpours have unleashed destructive floods, further straining vulnerable communities across the impoverished nation. ■
