Afghanistan’s National Disaster Management Authority says the death toll from the devastating floods in Nuristan Province has risen to 23, while the bodies of 15 previously missing people have been recovered. More than 100 people, however, remain unaccounted for.
The flash floods struck Parun and other parts of Nuristan on Monday following heavy rainfall, causing widespread destruction and significant loss of life.
Authorities said around 30 homes, 11 hotels, and 70 shops were completely or partially destroyed, with property losses estimated in the millions of dollars.
Local officials said those still missing include the mayor of Parun, the commander of the First Battalion, several government employees, local residents, shopkeepers, and tourists visiting the province.
Search-and-rescue operations remain underway as emergency teams continue efforts to locate the missing and assist affected families while damage assessments continue.
Meanwhile, Afghanistan’s Meteorological Authority has issued fresh warnings for heavy rain, flash floods, strong winds, and dust storms in Nuristan and several other eastern provinces, urging residents to stay away from rivers and flood-prone areas.
Across the Durand Line, severe flooding in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has also claimed at least 12 lives and injured 15 others.