Authorities in southwestern Afghanistan are searching for 14 people missing in the desert after five other migrants died from heat and thirst while trying to reach neighboring Iran. The group departed more than a week ago from Nimroz, one of Afghanistan's hottest and driest provinces, where temperatures often exceed 45°C. Their vehicle broke down in a storm, and the driver, attempting to find help, lost his way. Police found the driver, who was suffering from exhaustion, and took him to the Nimroz provincial hospital. Five migrants from the group were found dead, and search operations continue for the remaining 14. People often migrate to Iran seeking better job opportunities and a common language, despite the dangerous journey.
Gul Mohammad Qudrat, Nimroz province police spokesman, explained that the vehicle became stuck in the dust after breaking down. The driver wandered towards residential areas seeking help but became disoriented. He was eventually found by police and taken to the hospital. Qudrat did not specify when the driver was found.
A doctor at Nimroz provincial hospital confirmed that two brothers were among the five victims brought to the facility by security forces. The doctor, who requested anonymity for security reasons, noted that such incidents are common, with many casualties resulting from migrants losing their way on this route. The latest victims were from Balkh province in northern Afghanistan.
Police are also searching for the driver, who fled the hospital after being treated. The hazardous conditions near the Iran border are well-documented, with temperatures reaching dangerous highs in summer and plunging in winter. In December, at least 18 migrants froze to death while attempting to cross from Herat province into Iran.
