Multiple Highways Closed Due to Flooding in Afghanistan, One Reopened in Samangan
Mohammad Ashraf Haqshenas, spokesman for the Taliban Ministry of Public Works, stated that six highways and access routes to 11 districts have been closed due to flooding in provinces including Balkh, Nangarhar, Badghis, Ghor, Samangan and Bamyan. The closed routes include Marmul, Chamtala and Chahar Kint in Balkh; Nazian, Darbaba, Spin Ghar and Pachiragam in Nangarhar; Badghis-Herat and Badghis-Faryab highways; Ghor-Herat highway; Dar-e Suf-Mazar-e Sharif and Aibak-Ruy Doab in Samangan; Chahar Sada in Ghor; and Qonagh and Bekak pass in Bamyan. Cleanup efforts are underway by Public Works departments.
The Taliban Disaster Management Authority reported 110 deaths and 154 injuries from floods, rains and snowfall across Afghanistan since the 6th of Hamal. Separately, the Kabul-Kandahar highway remains closed in Zabul province, as announced the previous day.
Omid Radio reported that the main road between Aybak in Samangan and Mazar in Balkh has been reopened to traffic after a closure due to flooding in Tashkurgan Tangi. Afghanistan International had listed some Samangan routes as closed.
The Ministry of Public Works also announced the closure of the Salang highway due to heavy snow, storms and low visibility.
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Where reports agree
- Recent flooding and snowfall causing road closures/disruptions in northern Afghanistan, including Samangan province
Where reports differ
- Status of Samangan roads (closed per Afghanistan International vs. Aybak-Mazar opened per Omid Radio)
- Salang road closure reported only by Omid Radio
- Casualty figures and nationwide weather losses reported only by Afghanistan International
- Specific lists of closed routes differ (detailed in Afghanistan International, none in Omid Radio)
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