Eastern Afghanistan has been hit by flash floods that have killed at least 20 people, injured 80 and left more than 100 missing, officials confirmed late Monday.
Yousuf Hammad of the National Disaster Management Authority said a rescue operation was underway to locate the missing people and bring them to safety if possible.
“Unfortunately, today’s massive flooding in Parun city and several other areas of Nuristan province has caused huge loss of life and property to our fellow citizens,” Hammad said. He emphasized that there has been serious damage to people’s homes, agricultural land and public facilities.
“We urge all citizens to stay away from flood-prone areas and at-risk areas.”
A spokesman for the Taliban government in Kabul said, “We pray for the speedy recovery of those who lost their lives and the injured in this incident.”
Why is Afghanistan vulnerable to floods?
A variety of factors have made Afghanistan particularly vulnerable to extreme weather events. Decades of conflict, followed by foreign investment following the withdrawal of the Taliban in 2021, have left prevention infrastructure in a poor state, where it exists at all.
Deforestation, a struggling economy, and the effects of climate change have further complicated these issues.
Taliban officials said more heavy rains, storms and extreme winds are predicted to continue in 10 of the country’s 34 provinces in the coming days.
Edited by: Rana Taha
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