By Charles Igwe
Pope Francis has called on the international community to provide urgent assistance to Afghanistan, where catastrophic floods have claimed numerous lives, including those of children, and caused widespread destruction. During his General Audience on Wednesday, the Pope expressed his solidarity with the Afghan people and assured them of his prayers, particularly for the victims and their families.
The recent flooding has resulted in at least 300 fatalities across 18 districts in three northern provinces of Afghanistan. The United Nations World Food Programme reported that hundreds more have been injured, and many individuals are feared to be buried under the mud.
“I appeal to the international community to immediately provide the necessary aid and support to protect the most vulnerable,” Pope Francis said.
Baghlan province has been the hardest hit, with heavy rains destroying approximately 3,000 houses, flooding farmlands, washing away livestock, closing schools, and damaging health centers. The provinces of Takhar and Badakhshan have also suffered significant damage, with initial reports indicating that at least 300 houses have been affected, according to the UN Children’s Fund.
Pope Francis reiterated his call for prayers for global peace, urging believers not to forget other regions in conflict. “Let us not forget the tormented Ukraine; let us not forget Palestine, Israel, Myanmar. Let us pray for peace, let us pray for all peoples suffering war. All together, with big hearts, let us pray for definitive peace, and no more war. Because war is always a defeat: always!” he said.
