Kabul (Monitoring Desk): Devastating floods triggered by heavy rains in Afghanistan’s northeastern province of Nuristan have caused widespread destruction, killing at least 20 people and injuring more than 80 others, while over 100 people remain missing.
According to Afghan officials, the floods severely affected the provincial capital Parun and surrounding areas, where strong water currents swept away homes, shops, and other properties.
According to Afghanistan’s National Disaster Management Authority, rescue and search operations are continuing in the affected areas. So far, the bodies of 20 people have been recovered, while the injured have been shifted to nearby hospitals for medical treatment.
Local authorities said that markets located along the river in Parun city have been completely destroyed. Where shops and hotels once stood, only debris, mud, and large stones can now be seen.
Officials said that several hotels, dozens of shops, roads, and other infrastructure have been severely damaged by the floods, causing land connections to several areas to be cut off.
Afghanistan’s disaster agency has warned that more rains and storms are expected in different parts of the country in the coming days. Citizens have been advised to stay away from rivers, streams, and flood-risk areas and follow safety instructions issued by authorities.
Nuristan is a mountainous province bordering Pakistan, where sudden floods and landslides are common during the monsoon season. According to officials, the recent floods could be among the region’s major natural disasters in recent years.