Flash Floods Kill at Least 20 in Eastern Afghanistan, Over 100 Missing

Flash floods in eastern Afghanistan killed at least 20 people and left more than 100 others missing on Monday, Afghan authorities said. The floods struck Nuristan province, where they also injured about 80 people, according to Yousaf Hammad, spokesman for the Afghanistan National Disaster Management Authority. A search and rescue operation is underway to locate those missing.

“Unfortunately, severe floods today in Parun city and several other areas of Nuristan province have caused heavy loss of life and property among our fellow citizens,” Hammad said. He added that the floods damaged homes, agricultural land and public facilities.

Government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said officials were saddened by the loss of life and property damage in the province that afternoon.

He offered prayers for the dead and a speedy recovery for the injured. Afghanistan faces high vulnerability to such events due to its terrain and weather patterns. More than 300 people died in springtime flash floods last year, and at least 110 were killed earlier this year by flooding and landslides in several parts of the country.

The Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation’s meteorology department predicted heavy rain, thunderstorms, strong winds with dust and sand, and flash floods for 10 of the country’s 34 provinces. Residents were urged to avoid riverbanks and flood-prone areas. Hammad advised all citizens to stay away from areas at risk.