Afghanistan Floods: Search Underway for Missing After 23 Confirmed Dead

WHO:

AP News - Afghanistan National Disaster Management Authority reported on the situation.

AP News - Parun resident Zubair Ahmad described the flooding and its impact.

WHAT:

AP News - At least 23 people have been confirmed dead due to the floods.

AP News - More than 100 people are reported missing.

AP News - 80 people were injured as a result of the floods.

AP News - The floods caused an undetermined number of buildings to collapse.

WHERE:

AP News - The floods struck the eastern province of Nuristan, specifically affecting the provincial capital city of Parun.

WHEN:

AP News - The floods occurred on a Monday, with rescue efforts ongoing on the following Tuesday.

AP News - In 2024, more than 300 people died in springtime flash floods in Afghanistan.

AP News - Earlier in the year, at least 110 people were killed by widespread flooding and landslides.

WHY:

AP News - Afghanistan is highly vulnerable to extreme weather events due to factors such as decades of conflict, poor infrastructure, a struggling economy, deforestation, and the effects of climate change.

HOW:

AP News - Rescue crews are using bulldozers to clear mud and rubble, while local residents are using shovels to dig through the debris.

AP News - The Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation's meteorology department issued warnings for heavy rain, thunderstorms, strong winds, and flash floods in 10 of the country’s 34 provinces.

(UPDATED July 21, 2026 22:22 UTC)

At least 23 people have been confirmed dead and more than 100 are reported missing following devastating floods that struck the eastern province of Nuristan, particularly impacting the provincial capital city of Parun. Local resident Zubair Ahmad described the destruction, noting that 80 people were injured and an undetermined number of buildings collapsed as rescue crews work tirelessly to clear mud and rubble. The Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation's meteorology department had issued warnings for heavy rain and flash floods across 10 provinces, highlighting Afghanistan's vulnerability to extreme weather events exacerbated by decades of conflict and climate change.