Local sources in Kandahar say that five members of a family drowned and died after a boat overturned at Dahla dam, located in Shah Wali Kot district of the province. The incident occurred on Wednesday afternoon, August 26.
According to a source, 33-year-old Noor Ahmad had gone to Dahla dam with his five children for recreation. While they were riding in a boat, it overturned in the middle of the water. Only one of the young children was rescued.
The source added that Noor Ahmad, along with two daughters and two sons, drowned in the water. The bodies of his two daughters have so far been recovered, while efforts to locate the remaining bodies are still underway.
According to the source, Noor Ahmad was originally from the Sanjari area of Zhari district in Kandahar and had gone to Dahla Dam with his children for recreation. No further details have been released regarding the circumstances of the incident or the ongoing search for the bodies.
Drowning is among the deadly incidents that occur at a number of recreational sites across Afghanistan, including dams and rivers. Lack of swimming skills among some visitors, combined with inadequate safety and lifeguard facilities, is considered a major factor contributing to the risk of such incidents.
Writer:Salima Aryaei
