Rescue crews in Afghanistan were searching Tuesday for survivors and bodies amid the rubble of homes destroyed by flash floods that authorities reported have killed nearly two dozen people and left more than 100 missing.
The Afghanistan National Disaster Management Authority stated that 23 people had died, 80 had been injured, and over 100 were unaccounted for following the floods that struck the eastern province of Nuristan on Monday. The provincial capital, Parun, was among the affected areas, according to officials.
The Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation’s meteorology department issued a forecast on Monday evening predicting more extreme weather, including heavy rain, thunderstorms, strong winds with dust and sand, and flash floods across 10 of the country's 34 provinces. Residents were cautioned to stay away from riverbanks and other flood-prone locations.
Afghanistan is particularly susceptible to extreme weather events. Heavy rains and snow often trigger flash floods, which can result in significant loss of life. In 2024 alone, more than 300 people perished in springtime flash floods, and earlier this year, widespread flooding and landslides claimed at least 110 lives.
Compounding the impact of these natural disasters are decades of conflict, inadequate infrastructure, economic instability, deforestation, and the escalating effects of climate change. These factors particularly affect remote regions where many homes, often constructed from mud, offer minimal protection against sudden inundation or heavy snowfall.