Post by : Badri Ariffin

Nuristan, Afghanistan: Torrential rainfall triggered devastating flash floods across eastern Afghanistan on Monday, killing at least 20 people and leaving more than 100 others missing, according to Taliban authorities. The disaster has caused widespread destruction in Nuristan province, with emergency teams and local residents continuing search and rescue operations amid fears that the death toll could rise.

The worst-hit area is Parun, the capital of Nuristan province, where floodwaters swept through residential neighborhoods, commercial areas, and public infrastructure. Taliban officials confirmed that Parun's mayor is among those reported missing, while more than 80 people have sustained injuries. Authorities have warned that both the number of casualties and the extent of the damage could increase as rescue efforts continue.

Parun Faces Extensive Damage After Flash Floods

Officials described the flooding as one of the most destructive natural disasters to hit the province in recent years. Videos circulating on social media show homes, shops, government offices, and municipal buildings heavily damaged or completely washed away by the powerful floodwaters.

According to Ashiqullah Safi, head of the local non-governmental organisation Shpoul, the flash floods completely destroyed the municipality of Parun. He said residents have been forced to search through debris using limited resources, as rescue operations remain difficult due to a lack of proper equipment.

Large rocks and debris carried by the floodwaters have blocked roads and damaged infrastructure, making access to several affected areas extremely challenging. Local communities have been working alongside authorities to locate missing residents despite difficult conditions.

Search and Rescue Operations Continue

Taliban officials have acknowledged that the disaster is expected to result in severe human and financial losses. Emergency responders continue to search for those missing, while injured residents are receiving medical treatment.

Authorities are also assessing the full scale of the destruction to homes, businesses, and public facilities. Rescue efforts remain complicated because of damaged roads, difficult terrain, and the continuing threat of heavy rainfall.

Heavy Rain Warning Remains in Effect

Afghanistan's meteorology department has warned that heavy rainfall and flash flooding are likely to continue through Wednesday across 10 of the country's 34 provinces. Officials have advised residents to stay away from rivers, streams, and flood-prone areas until weather conditions improve.

The warning has raised concerns that additional flooding could affect other vulnerable regions already experiencing unstable weather.

Climate Change Increasing Afghanistan's Disaster Risks

Afghanistan is considered one of the countries most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, facing increasingly frequent floods, droughts, and extreme weather events. Years of conflict, limited infrastructure, and economic hardship have further reduced the country's ability to respond effectively to natural disasters.

The nation continues to recover from decades of war, including the withdrawal of the US-led coalition and the Taliban's return to power in 2021. Limited resources have made emergency response and disaster recovery increasingly difficult.

Nuristan's Natural Landscape Under Threat

Nuristan is widely known for its lush forests, green mountains, and clear rivers, and the province was officially designated as a national park in 2020. However, experts have warned that deforestation and illegal logging across Nuristan and neighboring regions have significantly reduced the land's natural ability to absorb heavy rainfall.

Environmental degradation has been linked to an increased risk of flash floods, with several reports suggesting that forest loss has intensified the impact of extreme weather events in the region.

Afghanistan Faces Repeated Flood Disasters

The latest tragedy comes only months after another deadly flooding event. In April, heavy rainfall and flash floods struck northern Afghanistan, where at least 150 people were reported killed. The World Food Programme (WFP) later estimated that more than 300 people lost their lives, highlighting the growing humanitarian impact of recurring climate-related disasters across the country.

As search operations continue in Nuristan, authorities remain focused on locating missing residents, assisting affected families, and responding to one of the country's most severe flood emergencies this year.

#Floods #Global Updates #Afghanistan #World News