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An Afghan official says at least five people have died in heavy flooding in the northern province of Baghlan, The Associated Press reported.

Jawed Basharat, spokesman for the provincial police chief, says the flooding hit three different districts on Monday, including Puli Khamri, the provincial capital.

He says nine people were injured and around 400 houses were damaged.

Basharat says police and residents are trying to rescue people trapped by the rising waters and that casualties are expected to rise.
The floods mark the start of Afghanistan's annual flooding season as snow on northern mountain ranges melts. The situation worsens each year due to deforestation and environmental degradation.

Much of the country has been hit by severe weather in recent months, with almost 200 people killed in a massive avalanche in northeastern Panjshir province.