Afghan authorities reported Monday that flash floods tearing through the eastern part of the country have left at least 20 people dead, approximately 80 injured, and more than 100 others unaccounted for.
The disaster struck Nuristan province, according to Yousaf Hammad, a spokesman for the Afghanistan National Disaster Management Authority. He confirmed that search and rescue teams have been deployed to locate those still missing.
“Unfortunately, severe floods today in Parun city and several other areas of Nuristan province have caused heavy loss of life and property among our fellow citizens,” Hammad said. He noted that homes, farmland, and public facilities all suffered extensive damage in the flooding.
Hammad also issued a public safety warning: “We urge all citizens to stay away from flood-prone areas and zones at risk.”
Afghanistan has long been susceptible to dangerous weather events, where heavy snowfall and rain frequently trigger deadly flash floods. In 2024, more than 300 lives were lost during springtime flooding. Earlier this year, at least 110 people were killed by flooding and landslides across multiple regions of the country.
The country’s vulnerability has been made worse by decades of war, crumbling infrastructure, a weakened economy, widespread deforestation, and the growing effects of climate change. These factors hit especially hard in remote communities where many structures are made of mud and provide little defense against sudden flooding or heavy snow.
Government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid expressed condolences following the disaster. “We were saddened to learn that floods caused loss of life and property damage in Nuristan province this afternoon,” he said. “We pray for those who lost their lives in this incident and for a speedy recovery for the injured.”
The threat is far from over. The meteorology department under the Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation has forecast heavy rain, thunderstorms, strong winds with dust and sand, and additional flash floods across 10 of Afghanistan’s 34 provinces. Residents have been urged to stay away from riverbanks and other areas at elevated risk of flooding.
