The families of flood victims in Afghanistan are mourning the loss of loved ones following a spate of deadly flooding, with affected residents urging the Taliban-led government and international relief organizations to help relocate them to safer areas amid fears further disaster could be on the way.
Flash floods swept across several regions of central and northern Afghanistan in early May, claiming hundreds of lives and displacing countless others.
One of the worst affected areas was the Sheikh Jalal village in the northeastern province of Baghlan, which saw over 40 people killed and dozens of others severely injured. At least 200 houses were destroyed, and several victims are still reported missing.
Local resident Saheb Khan, who was married just eight months ago, said his family were hit by tragedy during the devastating floods.
"I was able to rescue five family members but unfortunately four of my loved ones lost their lives. The floods destroyed our house, but I saved myself and five other family members," said Khan.
Khan's family was already living a hard life. Like thousands of others in the villages of the Markazi Baghlan District, they lack clean drinking water, electricity and other essential needs, and the fear of another flood is only prolonging their psychological trauma.
Khan's mother Noor Begum is still grieving the tragic loss of loved ones. Though the surviving family members all want to be together, they know they will have to find a much safer place to house them.
"I saw the floods hit neighboring houses. I was barely able to rush toward the upper side of the house, to a side room in the corner. I saw the children but wasn't able to reach them," said Begum.
Many affected families are now living in tents provided by relief organizations, and they all have heart wrenching stories to tell.
"I was standing, stuck in the floods, desperately trying to rescue my baby. My child was floating in the water," said Gul Dasta, another flood survivor.
Victims are urging local authorities and other relief agencies to provide support by relocating them to more suitable shelters, with many still scarred by the impact of the disaster they faced.
Grief-stricken Afghan survivors call for more support amid fears of more flooding
On his second official visit to China, Prime Minister of the Republic of Vanuatu Charlot Salwai expressed admiration for China's remarkable ability to balance preserving its cultural heritage with embracing innovative transformation.
Salwai paid an official visit to China from July 7 to 12. During his trip, he toured the southern province of Guangdong and explored the megacities of Beijing and Shanghai. His visit included tours of high-tech companies, a ride on a high-speed train, and a performance of traditional Cantonese opera.
In an interview with China Central Television Network (CCTV) aired on Friday, Salwai recounted his journey starting with a warm welcome that included enjoying Beijing Roast Duck, also known as Peking Duck -- a culinary delight introduced to him by the Chinese ambassador in Vanuatu.
"Many had to say. Peking Duck. Because we had it here on our arrival, so it was very tasty. And I understand that the Chinese ambassador in Vanuatu brought us to one of the traditional restaurants, small but beautiful," he said. The prime minister sees China's preservation of its culture as a vital lesson in understanding one's roots and the journey to the present day, acknowledging China's efforts to integrate cultural preservation with modernization.
"It's going to be my second official visit to China. I'm always impressed to see big changes and especially innovations made by China and especially the cities. Because a big impression is to see how China continues to maintain and keep its culture. Because I think it's the basis of everything -- to know where you come from and to understand where we are today. I feel that China is doing a lot to maintain its culture, but at the same time, doing, innovating to transform its culture,” Salwai said.
He also emphasized the importance of learning from China's sustainable development strategies.
"Today, it comes from a long way, some hardship, the government, and also the people of China. So, I'm impressed to see what is done, especially how China associates infrastructure development with nature. That's meant to keep, continue to keep the environment. It takes effort with the climate change by maintaining the ecosystem. I think it's something that, for a small country like Vanuatu, is important to learn. So, we are here. I'm here with my delegation to learn," Salwai said.
Vanuatu's PM commends China's cultural preservation, innovation amid fast growth
