Editor in Chief: Moh. Reza Huwaida Thursday, March 28th, 2024

WJ Blasts ANDMA Authorities after Landslide

WJ Blasts ANDMA  Authorities after Landslide

KABUL - Members of Wolesi Jirga (WJ) summoned leaders of the Afghan National Disaster Management Authority (ANDMA) on Saturday in order to question them and express grievances about the way aid for victims of Badakhshan's landslide was handled this week.

On Friday flooding in northern Badakhshan province caused a landslide that killed hundreds of local residents. Hundreds of more people were reportedly injured and trapped by the landslide.

"The emergency committee must take precautions," MP Habiba Danish Takhar said on Saturday. "Whenever an incident occurs they are just praying and giving some biscuits; instead, the government must provide shelter for those who are at risk of natural disasters."

Parliament's session on Saturday made it clear that representatives are not satisfied with the way the Badakhshan disaster has been handled.

"The emergency committee must be summoned and a key decision must be taken regarding this," Sar-e-Pul MP Sharifi Balkhabi said.

Various parts of Afghanistan are subject to flooding and mudslides during the spring and summer months as ice and snow melt in the mountains, especially in the north, and water begins to flow throughout the country's many river valleys.

Last August, hundreds of people were killed and made homeless by flooding that reeked havoc across central Afghanistan, including Kabul.

"Unfortunately, in recent years, the government was unable to prepare a program to combat natural disasters in the country," Baghlan MP Obidullah Ramin said.

Other MPs were focused on honoring the dead in Badakhshan. Some asked President Hamid Karzai to announce a national day of mourning for the natural disaster victims.

"The Presidential palace should be asked to announce national mourning for our countrymen," Wardak MP Ghulam Hussain Nasiri said.

In the past, residents as well as provincial officials in Faryab, Jawzjan and Sar-e-Pul criticized the poor performance of the National Disaster Management Authority. (Tolonews)