Afghanistan Floods Kill 20, Leave Over 100 Missing

Kabul. At least 20 people have died due to sudden floods caused by heavy rainfall in eastern Afghanistan on Monday. The Taliban government has confirmed that more than 100 people are missing in this incident. Parun, the capital of Nuristan province, is said to be the most affected. The city's mayor is also missing, and more than 80 local residents have been injured.

Taliban officials estimate that there will be significant damage in both humanitarian and economic sectors due to this incident. Videos released on social media show houses, shops, and municipal buildings severely damaged. Afghanistan is among the world's most vulnerable countries facing the extreme effects of climate change and natural disasters. It is hit by storms, floods, and droughts every year.

According to Ashiqullah Safi, head of the local non-governmental organization Shpol, the recent flood has completely destroyed the Parun municipality building. He said that amid a lack of rescue equipment, local residents themselves are searching for the missing people in the debris. The flood has washed large quantities of stones throughout the city, making rescue efforts more difficult.

The Taliban's weather department has warned that heavy rainfall and further floods may occur in 10 out of 34 provinces of Afghanistan by next Wednesday. Officials have urged the public not to go near riverbanks and areas at high risk of flooding. Earlier, in April, at least 150 people died due to heavy rainfall and floods in northern Afghanistan. However, the World Food Programme stated that the death toll had exceeded 300.