Key facts
- At least 20 people were killed and over 80 injured in flooding in Nuristan province.
- More than 100 people, including the mayor, are missing in Parun.
- The flood destroyed the municipality, hotels, and dozens of shops in Parun.
- Residents are searching for the missing without equipment.
- The Afghan government confirmed deaths and property damage.
- Flooding in Afghanistan has increased due to environmental problems.
At least 20 people have been killed and more than 80 injured in severe flooding that hit Afghanistan’s Nuristan province, according to the country’s disaster management agency. In Parun, the provincial capital, an additional 105 people, including the mayor, are reported missing.
Residents and officials described widespread destruction, with a local NGO head stating the flood had "completely destroyed the municipality," including hotels and dozens of shops. Big boulders were left in the town by the floodwaters, and residents are reportedly searching for the missing without equipment.
The national disaster management agency confirmed "severe financial and human losses" in Parun and stated that rescue and recovery efforts are underway. Zabihullah Mujahid, the chief spokesperson for the Afghan government, also confirmed reports of deaths and property damage.
Afghanistan is among the nations most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, which has made some parts of the country more drought-prone and exposed others to more rainfall. Deforestation in Nuristan and other provinces has further worsened flash floods in recent decades because it has slowed the absorption of rainwater into the soil.