Pakistan expresses sorrow over loss of lives in Afghanistan flash floods

The government and the people of Pakistan express their heartfelt condolences on the tragic loss of life and widespread damage to property caused by heavy rains and flash floods in several provinces of Afghanistan, a statement issued by the Foreign Office said.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims, injured and the communities affected by this natural calamity and we pray for the early recovery of those missing.”

It said Pakistan stood in solidarity with the people of Afghanistan during this difficult time.

At least 60 people have died and more than 100 have been injured after flash flooding in northern Afghanistan, according to Taliban officials.

Dozens of people remain missing after heavy rainfall hit five districts in Baghlan province, with warnings the death toll could rise ahead of a further two storms forecast to spread across the region on Friday night.

Pictures on social media showed torrents of water sweeping through houses in several villages, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake.

The country has been hit by unusually heavy rainfall over the last few weeks, with floods killing more than 100 people since mid-April.

Abdul Mateen Qani, a spokesman for Afghanistan's interior ministry, told media those who had died came from the Borka district in Baghlan province.

More than 200 people have been trapped inside their homes there.

The official earlier told Reuters news agency that helicopters had been sent to Baghlan - located directly north of the capital, Kabul - but "the operation may not be successful" due to a shortage of night vision lights.

Meanwhile, local official Hedayatullah Hamdard told AFP news agency emergency personnel including the army were "searching for any possible victims under the mud and rubble".

Tents, blankets and food were provided to some families who had lost their homes, the official added.

The main road connecting Kabul to northern Afghanistan is closed.

It comes after flooding last month in the west of the country killed dozens of people, leaving thousands requiring humanitarian aid.

About 2,000 homes, three mosques, and four schools were also damaged.

Flash flooding happens when rain falls so heavily that normal drainage cannot cope.

Experts say a relatively dry winter has made it more difficult for the soil to absorb rainfall.

Torrential rain and flooding kill people every year in Afghanistan, where badly built houses in isolated rural areas are particularly vulnerable.