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

Flash floods in eastern Afghanistan killed at least 20 people and left more than 100 others missing on Monday. The floods struck Nuristan province, including Parun city, and injured about 80 people, Afghan authorities said. Yousaf Hammad, spokesman for the Afghanistan National Disaster Management Authority, said severe floods caused heavy loss of life and property in Parun city and other areas.

A search and rescue operation is underway to locate the missing, he added. 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. More than 300 people died in springtime flash floods last year, and at least 110 were killed earlier this year by flooding and landslides.

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.