Afghanistan: Forest Fires - Jun 1999

According to information received from OCHA to Afghanistan the massive fire which broke out on 12 June 1999 in the forest of the Sholake valley, Kunar Province of Afghanistan has been extinguished by rains and the local population. On 24 June, the Islamic Relief Agency (ISRA) which has an office, health clinic and seed production and processing unit in Assadabad, the capital city of Kunar Province, confirmed that the fire has been extinguished. According to ISRA, the fires had spread from Shorak to the neighbouring villages and caused partial burning of the natural forests in Badail and Kurangal villages. In total approximately 160 sq km of forest have been destroyed. No human losses were reported. (OCHA, 6 Jul 1999)