At least 20 people have been killed and more than 80 injured in flooding that struck Afghanistan's Nuristan province, the country's disaster management agency confirmed on Monday. In the provincial capital Parun, 105 people, including the mayor, remain missing, according to Feraidon Samim, a spokesperson for the Nuristan governor.
Destruction in Parun
Journalists familiar with the remote north-eastern area reported that a market, shops, and other buildings near Parun's riverside were heavily affected. Ashiqullah Safi, head of a local NGO, stated that the flood "completely destroyed the municipality," including hotels and dozens of shops. He added that floodwaters left large boulders in the town and residents are searching for the missing without proper equipment.
Government Response
Afghanistan's national disaster management agency confirmed "severe financial and human losses" in Parun, with rescue efforts underway to assist the injured and recover bodies. Zabihullah Mujahid, chief spokesperson for the Afghan government, posted on X to confirm reports of deaths and property damage in Nuristan.
Climate Context
Earlier this month, Matiul Haq Khalis, head of Afghanistan's environmental protection agency, noted an increase in flooding, stating that environmental problems "have severely affected the Afghan people and have contributed to a humanitarian crisis in the country." Extreme rainfall has become more common and intense globally due to human-caused climate change, as warmer air holds more moisture, leading to severe downpours.
