Search and rescue teams in Afghanistan were working Tuesday to find survivors and recover bodies from the debris of homes destroyed by powerful flash floods, according to authorities who say nearly two dozen people have lost their lives and more than 100 others remain unaccounted for.
The Afghanistan National Disaster Management Authority confirmed that 23 people died, 80 sustained injuries, and over 100 are still missing after the floods tore through the eastern province of Nuristan on Monday, bringing down an unknown number of structures. The provincial capital city of Parun was among the communities hit by the disaster, officials said.
Forecasters are warning of more dangerous conditions ahead. The Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation’s meteorology department announced Monday evening that heavy rain, thunderstorms, strong winds with accompanying dust and sand, and additional flash floods are expected across 10 of the country’s 34 provinces. Officials urged residents to stay away from riverbanks and other areas prone to flooding.
Afghanistan faces recurring devastation from extreme weather events, with flash floods triggered by snow and heavy rain frequently claiming dozens — or even hundreds — of lives at once. In 2024, more than 300 people perished in spring flash floods. Earlier this year, widespread flooding and landslides across several regions of the country claimed the lives of at least 110 people.
Experts point to a combination of factors that make Afghanistan especially vulnerable to such disasters: decades of armed conflict, crumbling infrastructure, a weakened economy, widespread deforestation, and the growing effects of climate change. These conditions are especially severe in remote areas, where many homes are constructed from mud and provide little defense against sudden flooding or heavy snowfall.
