Archive for the ‘Afghanistan’ Category

Afghanistan: Adverse weather forecast across eastern and central … – Crisis24

Event

Severe weather is forecast across parts of eastern and central Afghanistan through at least March 29. As of early March 28, the Afghanistan Meteorological Department has issued a weather warning for heavy rainfall and snowfall across parts of Badakhshan, Baghlan, Bamyan, Daykundi, Farah, Ghazni, Ghor, Helmand, Kabul, Kandahar, Kapisa, Khost, Kunar, Laghman, Logar, Nangarhar, Nuristan, Paktia, Paktika, Panjsher, Parwan, Sar-e Pol, Takhar, Uruzgan, Wardak, and Zabul provinces. Rainfall totals of 2-5 cm (0.8-2 inches) are forecast across parts of the affected area, and snowfall accumulations of 20-40 cm (8-16 inches) are possible predominantly over higher ground. The heaviest precipitation is forecast over parts of western Daykundi, Ghazni, far southeastern Ghor, northern Helmand, western Kabul, Khost, eastern Kunar, southern Laghman, Logar, western Nangarhar, eastern Paktia, Uruzgan, and Zabul provinces, where red warnings have been issued. Orange and yellow warnings are in place across the rest of the affected area. Officials could update and possibly extend the coverage of weather alerts over the coming days.

Recent heavy rain over 23 provinces across Afghanistan resulted in floods and flash floods. Authorities have confirmed nine fatalities and 74 others injured. Almost 1,800 houses have been destroyed, and more than 8,094 hectares (20,000 acres) of agricultural land have been damaged. The worst affected are Balkh, Faryab, Kunar, Laghman, Nangarhar, Nimroz, Nuristan, Uruzgan, and Zabul provinces. Further rainfall is likely to exacerbate the situation and hamper recovery efforts.

Hazardous ConditionsSustained heavy rainfall could trigger flooding in low-lying communities near rivers, streams, and creeks. Urban flooding is also possible in developed areas with easily overwhelmed stormwater drainage systems. Sites downstream from large reservoirs or rivers may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall.

Due to the arid nature of the region and poor stormwater management, even minor rainfall accumulations could quickly result in episodes of flash flooding. Flooding is possible in streams and dry riverbeds.

Precipitation could fall as snow in higher elevations over the coming days. Wind gusts could cause blowing and drifting snow; decreased visibility is likely in mountainous areas. Rain-induced landslides cannot be discounted in areas of elevated terrain; there is also the possibility of avalanches in mountainous areas where the snowpack has become unstable due to heavy snowfall. Power outages could occur throughout the affected area.

TransportFloodwaters and related debris may render some bridges or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in and around the affected area. Flooding in urban areas could also result in significant traffic congestion. Heavy snow will likely make driving hazardous in some areas; authorities could implement temporary road closures or detours in such locations. Mountain passes and tunnels could be closed as a precautionary measure during periods of intense snowfall. The disruptive weather will likely cause some delays and cancellations at airports in the affected region.

Disruptions triggered by inclement weather and resultant hazards, such as flooding or avalanches, could persist well after conditions have improved - it could take days before any floodwaters recede and/or officials clear debris. If there is severe damage to infrastructure, repair or reconstruction efforts may result in residual disruptions.

Monitor local media for weather-related updates and advisories. Confirm all transport reservations and business arrangements before traveling in the affected area. Seek updated information on road conditions before driving or routing shipments through areas where severe weather is forecast; plan for possible supply chain disruptions throughout the affected areas. Stay away from elevated streams, creeks, and other watercourses that are prone to flash flooding. Do not attempt to navigate flooded roadways. Exercise caution in elevated terrain due to the threat of landslides, as well as mountainous regions where avalanches pose a threat. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.

Afghnaistan Meteorological Department

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Afghanistan: Adverse weather forecast across eastern and central ... - Crisis24

On the ground in Turkey’s ‘little Afghanistan’, the refuge from the … – The Telegraph

Over the years, Ovakent has indeed turned distinctly Afghan: on the streets, you can hear people speak Persian or Uzbek, and before the quake the scent of warm bread fresh out of the tandoor was always in the air and men were sitting outside in traditional Afghan dress, gulping cup after cup of green cardamon tea.

The earthquake devastated it all. And while the Turkish government continues to send aid tents, blankets, food and drinking water among other those families who currently dont hold any documents to legally reside in Turkey worry.

Samina Durman, a 39-year-old mother of seven is one of them. Her family had been staying with friends in Ovakent for the past five years; since the earthquake they have been living in a tent.

The family fled the northern Afghan province of Kunduz after Durmans brother was killed by the Taliban, arriving in Turkey via Iran with the help of a smuggler. They had been warmly welcomed in Ovakent, finding that many of the other residents were likewise from Kunduz.

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On the ground in Turkey's 'little Afghanistan', the refuge from the ... - The Telegraph

Afghanistan: Nine people killed, 74 others injured due to floods – ANI News

ANI | Updated: Mar 28, 2023 07:15 IST

Kabul [Afghanistan], March 28 (ANI): At least 9 people have been killed and 74 others have been injured due to flooding in 23 provinces of Afghanistan, TOLO News reported citing officials. Taliban official for Natural Disasters management said that flooding killed at least nine people and injured 74 others in 23 provinces, as per the TOLO News report. Taliban official said that nearly 1,800 houses have been destroyed and over 20,000 acres of agricultural land have been damaged due to flooding. Mohammad Abas Akhund said, "In 23 provinces 9 people have died, 74 people were injured and 1,778 houses were destroyed." Last week, floods were reported in the Zari district of Balkh province. Mohammad, a Zari resident, said that floods destroyed their house.

Raz Mohammad, a local resident, said, "Nothing has remained for us, we were not able to save our home belongings and we saved people by using ropes in the water. Some flood-affected people urged the Taliban and aid organizations to help them, as per the news report. Fazil Rehman, a resident of Zari, requested the Taliban and organizations to help the people. "We request help us so that our people do not perish," said Aman Ali, an elder as per the TOLO News report. Earlier, nine provinces of Afghanistan, including Balkh, Zabul, Faryab, Uruzgan, Nimroz, Nangarhar, Kunar, Nuristan, and Laghman, were hit with heavy rain, snow and flooding. More than 756 homes were destroyed after the heavy rains, Khaama Press reported. Officials said that the impacted people were assisted with relief such as food materials, such as tents and blankets. (ANI)

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Afghanistan: Nine people killed, 74 others injured due to floods - ANI News

Ex-Essex Police officer ‘lied about army service’ including tour in Afghanistan – Yahoo News UK

Ex-Essex Police officer 'lied about army service' including tour in Afghanistan (Image: PA / Newsquest)

A former Essex Police officer has been found to have committed gross misconduct over inappropriate behaviour and "lying about service in the armed forces".

Former PC Matthew Lawrence-Stearn, who was a probationary officer, had been accused of inappropriate behaviour and making inappropriate comments to fellow students while going through training between August and November 2021.

This included sexualised behaviour and comments towards female colleagues.

It was also alleged he had lied about a tour in Afghanistan and working in Kabul as part of the armed forces.

The force says he had joined the Royal Auxiliary Air Force Squadron but did not complete his training and left after 35 days having never been deployed.

An Essex Police misconduct hearing took place via Microsoft Teams between March 13 and 14.

The panel, led by Independent Legally Qualified Chair Monica Daley-Campbell, found the allegations were proven and Former PC Lawrence-Stearn would have been dismissed had he still been serving.

Deputy Chief Constable Andy Prophet said: We expect the highest standards of professional behaviour from all officers and staff and take a robust approach in dealing with any allegation of poor conduct.

Former PC Matthew Lawrence-Stearns behaviour fall well below the standards we expect.

Essex Police is committed to tackling all forms of violence, intimidation and inappropriate behaviour against women and girls and the former officers behaviour was utterly unacceptable.

The behaviour was further compounded by his dishonesty.

We do not want people who display this kind of behaviour and he was a student probationer who never made it to policing our communities.

I want to thank those who reported his inappropriate behaviour for their integrity and professionalism.

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Ex-Essex Police officer 'lied about army service' including tour in Afghanistan - Yahoo News UK

Afghanistan beat Pakistan Afghanistan won by 6 wickets (with 13 … – ESPNcricinfo

11:10pm: Nabi's cool, subdued celebrations from him. Talks to a couple of players from the opposition, has a smile. Does things as easy as you like. He batted brilliantly on a tricky pitch after Ihsanullah and Naseem broke through, but he steered the chase brilliantly. Janat joined Nabi and the duo stopped the flow of wickets but the scoring slowed down too. Janat slogged and lost his wicket, but Nabi continued to chip away. Najib joined him and played sensibly to keep the bowlers at bay. The hosts knowing what the target helped, Pakistan were at least 25-30 runs short. Naseem was good upfront, Zaman didn't have a great evening, nothing of note for Shadab either. Imad troubled the batters, gave away nothing and was unfortunate to have gotten just the one wicket. Azam dropped a sharp chance off his bowling in the 14th over, which could have opened the door but it was not to be.

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Afghanistan beat Pakistan Afghanistan won by 6 wickets (with 13 ... - ESPNcricinfo