Baghlan, Afghanistan - Recent

Storyline:
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.

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.

Many affected families are now living in tents provided by relief organizations, and they all have heart wrenching stories to tell.

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.

Shotlist:
Sheikh Jalal village, Markazi Baghlan District, Baghlan Province, Afghanistan - Recent:
1. Various of village, damaged houses, building;
2. Various of residents, reporter visiting village;
3. SOUNDBITE (Dari, dubbed in English) Saheb Khan, flood survivor:
"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."
4. Various of residents;
5. SOUNDBITE (Dari, dubbed in English) Noor Begum, flood survivor:
"I saw the floods hit neighbouring 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."
6. Various of displaced family in tent;
7. SOUNDBITE (Dari, dubbed in English) Gul Dasta,flood survivor:
"I was standing, stuck in the floods, desperately trying to rescue my baby. My child was floating in the water."
8. Village, dirt road.

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