Flash floods wreak havoc in Afghanistan's Nuristan, 20 killed

Flash floods tore through Afghanistan's Nuristan province, killing at least 20 people and leaving more than 100 missing. The disaster hit Parun the hardest, while damaged roads and difficult terrain slowed rescue efforts.Among those missing are the mayor of Parun, the provincial capital, and his two bodyguards.At least 20 people were killed and more than 100 remained missing after flash floods swept through Afghanistan's northeastern Nuristan province on Monday. The death toll is expected to rise as rescue teams continue searching for survivors in the remote mountainous region.Among those missing are the mayor of Parun, the provincial capital, and his two bodyguards.PARUN BEARS THE BRUNTThe Taliban's National Disaster Management Authority said Parun was the worst-hit area, with floodwaters destroying homes, commercial areas and other infrastructure. At least 80 people were injured in the disaster.Authorities said search and rescue operations were underway, but damaged roads and difficult terrain were slowing efforts to reach affected communities. The agency warned of "severe financial and human losses" as teams continued to assess the damage. Afghanistan is among the countries most vulnerable to climate change, with extreme weather events becoming more frequent. Deforestation in Nuristan and other provinces has worsened flash floods by reducing the land's ability to absorb heavy rainfall, increasing the risk of deadly flooding.- EndsPublished By: Satyam SinghPublished On: Jul 21, 2026 02:32 IST