Lead

Flash floods triggered by heavy monsoon rains have swept through eastern Afghanistan's Nuristan province, killing at least 20 people and leaving more than 100 missing, according to officials cited by multiple news outlets. Rescue crews are searching through mud and rubble for survivors as forecasters warn of more extreme weather.

Coverage comparison

Al Jazeera reported that the death toll had risen to at least 23, with dozens still missing, as officials warned of a potentially rising toll. The Guardian — World put the death toll at at least 20, with more than 80 injured, and reported that 105 people including the mayor were missing in the provincial capital Parun. The Hindu — World also reported 20 killed, about 80 injured, and more than 100 missing, citing Afghan authorities.

The reports agree on the broad scale of the disaster but differ on specific numbers. Al Jazeera's later update reported the higher death toll of 23, while The Guardian — World and The Hindu — World carried the earlier figure of 20. The Guardian — World was alone in naming the mayor among the missing and in providing a specific figure of 105 missing in Parun.

Key claims

  • At least 20 people have been killed in flooding in Afghanistan's Nuristan province, as reported by multiple outlets. Al Jazeera later reported that the death toll had risen to at least 23.
  • More than 100 people remain missing, according to officials cited by Al Jazeera, The Guardian — World and The Hindu — World. The Guardian — World specified that 105 people, including the mayor, were missing in Parun.
  • More than 80 people were injured, as reported by The Guardian — World and The Hindu — World.
  • Residents are searching through mud and rubble for survivors, according to Al Jazeera.
  • A market, shops, and other buildings were destroyed in the flooding, The Guardian — World reported, citing journalists familiar with the area.
  • Afghanistan is highly vulnerable to extreme weather events due to climate change, a claim carried by multiple outlets, including Al Jazeera, The Guardian — World and The Hindu — World.
  • The monsoon season is causing chaos across the region, with Afghanistan among the most vulnerable to its effects, according to Al Jazeera.
  • Previous flooding incidents in Afghanistan have resulted in significant loss of life and property, as reported by multiple outlets. Al Jazeera and The Hindu — World noted that more than 300 people died in springtime flash floods in 2024, and at least 110 were killed earlier this year.

Perspectives

Afghan authorities

Yousaf Hammad, spokesman for the Afghanistan National Disaster Management Authority, said the floods had caused “heavy loss of life and property” in Parun and other areas of Nuristan, and urged citizens to stay away from flood-prone zones, as quoted by The Hindu — World. Zabihullah Mujahid, chief spokesperson for the Afghan government, confirmed reports of deaths and property damage, expressing condolences and prayers for the victims, according to both Al Jazeera and The Guardian — World.

Local officials

Feraidon Samim, a spokesperson for the Nuristan governor, told The Guardian — World that 105 people including the mayor were missing in Parun. Ashiqullah Safi, head of an NGO based in the town, told the same outlet that the flood had “completely destroyed the municipality”, including hotels and dozens of shops, and that residents were searching for the missing without equipment.

Climate and environmental experts

Matiul Haq Khalis, head of Afghanistan’s environmental protection agency, said earlier this month that flooding in the country had increased, and that environmental problems had “severely affected the Afghan people and contributed to a humanitarian crisis”, as reported by The Guardian — World. The same outlet noted that extreme rainfall has become more common and more intense across most of the world because of the human-caused climate crisis, as warmer air can hold more water vapour, leading to more severe downpours.