Severe flooding in eastern Afghanistan has resulted in at least 20 deaths, 80 injuries, and over 100 people reported missing.
Key facts
- •At least 20 people were killed and 80 injured in the Nuristan Province floods.
- •More than 100 people are currently missing, with search and rescue operations ongoing.
- •The Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation has issued flood warnings for 10 of Afghanistan's 34 provinces.
- •The flooding caused widespread destruction to homes, agricultural land, and public facilities.
- •Afghanistan has experienced multiple deadly flooding events in 2024 and earlier in 2026.
Flash floods struck Nuristan Province in eastern Afghanistan on Monday, July 20, 2026, causing significant loss of life and property. According to Yousaf Hammad, a spokesman for the Afghanistan National Disaster Management Authority, the disaster has killed at least 20 people and left approximately 80 injured. Search and rescue operations are currently underway to locate more than 100 individuals who remain missing following the deluge.
By the numbers
Impact and Response
The flooding heavily affected Parun city and several other areas within Nuristan Province, causing extensive damage to residential homes, agricultural land, and public infrastructure. Government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid expressed condolences for the loss of life and property damage caused by the incident. Authorities have urged citizens to avoid flood-prone zones and riverbanks. The Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation's meteorology department has issued warnings for 10 of the country's 34 provinces, forecasting further extreme weather including heavy rain, thunderstorms, and strong winds.
Regional Vulnerability
Afghanistan remains highly susceptible to extreme weather events, which are frequently exacerbated by poor infrastructure, deforestation, and the effects of climate change. Many homes in remote regions are constructed of mud, providing limited protection against sudden flooding. Earlier this year, at least 110 people died due to widespread flooding and landslides, while springtime floods in 2024 resulted in more than 300 deaths.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by The Hindu.
