Home / Disasters and Accidents / Afghanistan Floods: 20 Dead, 100 Missing in Nuristan
Afghanistan Floods: 20 Dead, 100 Missing in Nuristan
21 Jul
Summary
- Torrential rains caused flash floods in eastern Afghanistan, killing at least 20.
- Nuristan province's capital, Parun, suffered severe damage, with over 100 missing.
- Deforestation has worsened flood impacts in the vulnerable region.
Flash floods, driven by torrential rainfall on Monday, have claimed at least 20 lives and left more than 100 individuals missing in eastern Afghanistan. The city of Parun, the capital of Nuristan province, experienced the most severe impact, with its mayor among those unaccounted for. Over 80 residents sustained injuries.
Taliban officials anticipate substantial financial and human losses, as footage circulating on social media depicts widespread destruction of homes, shops, and municipal structures. The region's vulnerability to climate change and natural disasters is exacerbated by its status as one of the world's poorest nations, recovering from decades of conflict.
According to local NGO Shpoul leader Ashiqullah Safi, the recent flood "completely destroyed the municipality" of Parun. Residents are reportedly searching through debris without adequate equipment, navigating the aftermath of floodwaters that deposited large boulders throughout the town.
The Taliban's meteorology department has issued warnings of continued heavy rain and flooding across 10 of Afghanistan's 34 provinces through Wednesday. Authorities are advising residents to exercise caution and avoid riverbanks and flood-prone areas. Nuristan, known for its natural beauty, has seen its flood resilience diminished by deforestation and illegal logging, factors that worsen flash flood severity by reducing the land's capacity to absorb rainfall.
