Afghanistan’s East Ravaged: Flash Floods Claim 20 Lives
Devastating flash floods, brought by intense monsoon rains, have killed at least 20 people in Afghanistan’s eastern Nuristan province. The deluge, which struck on Monday, has left a path of destruction, washing away homes and businesses in Parun, the province’s main city.
Officials from the disaster management authority confirmed that 20 bodies have been recovered, and over 80 individuals sustained injuries across Parun and other areas of Nuristan, which borders Pakistan. The mayor of the provincial capital is among several local government employees currently reported missing, adding to the growing concerns.
Search and rescue teams have been mobilized by the provincial disaster management department. Their efforts are focused on locating those unaccounted for and recovering more victims. However, initial reports suggest that residents are attempting to clear the rubble and debris without adequate equipment, highlighting the challenging conditions on the ground.
A local non-governmental organization, Shpoul, reported that the floodwaters have severely impacted the community, with hotels and dozens of shops completely destroyed. Large boulders, carried by the powerful currents, now litter the town, further complicating recovery operations.
This year’s monsoon season has caused widespread disruption across South Asia since June. Neighboring countries have also been severely affected. In northern and northeastern India, recent floods and landslides on Monday claimed the lives of at least 25 people. Parun is located approximately 465 kilometers from Jammu, India, another area hit hard by similar weather events.
Nepal has also suffered, with monsoon-related floods, landslides, and lightning strikes killing 27 people, leaving one missing, and injuring 69 others since mid-June. Afghanistan, like its neighbors Pakistan and India, is particularly susceptible to severe weather events, especially flash floods following seasonal rains. The head of Afghanistan’s environmental protection agency recently noted a rise in such flooding, warning that these environmental issues contribute to a worsening humanitarian crisis.
