FAIZABAD, Afghanistan - Farmers in parts of north Afghanistan's Badakhshan province are facing difficulties due to a locust outbreak, said Qari Ehsanullah Saraji, acting director for the provincial agricultural directorate, on Tuesday.

The natural epidemic has affected Kasham, Tagab, Khawhan, Arghanjkhaw, and Argo districts, Saraji added. Local authorities, with the support of the community, have initiated efforts to combat the menace.

According to the official, technical teams equipped with pesticides and protective gear have been dispatched to the affected areas to control the insect infestation.

Over the past week, heavy rains and flooding have killed four people and injured 11 others, in addition to killing 250 cattle in Badakhshan, where its residents largely rely on agricultural products.