Floods kill 20, leave over 100 missing in Afghanistan's Nuristan province

Flash floods have devastated the Nuristan province in Afghanistan, killing at least 20 people and leaving more than 100 missing. The torrential rains caused mudslides that swept through Parun, the provincial capital, destroying a strip of shops along the riverbank.

National Disaster Management Authority (ANDMA) officials reported that 20 bodies have been recovered, and over 80 people sustained injuries. All reported victims were in Parun and surrounding areas of Nuristan, a province bordering Pakistan. The Nuristan Governor's Office confirmed that government employees, including the mayor of Parun, are among those missing.

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So far, nine bodies have been recovered.

Local residents, with inadequate equipment, are engaged in desperate search efforts for the missing. Ashiqullah Safi, head of the local NGO Shpoul, described the flood's complete destruction of the town center, including hotels and dozens of shops. The floodwaters carried large boulders into the urban area, complicating rescue operations.

Afghanistan's government spokesperson, Zabihullah Mujahid, confirmed the casualties and property damage. ANDMA forecasts continued heavy rainfall and storms in several provinces, warning residents to stay away from riverbanks and flood-prone areas. Afghanistan is highly vulnerable to climate change impacts, with increasing flood incidents.

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The relevant agencies are working hard to save people's lives and property.