Monsoon-driven flash flooding kills at least 20 in Afghanistan

Eastern Afghanistan's Nuristan province experienced severe flash flooding on Monday triggered by monsoon rains, resulting in significant loss of life and widespread destruction. According to the Afghanistan National Disaster Management Authority, at least 20 bodies have been recovered with more than 80 people injured across the affected region. The provincial capital Parun sustained particularly heavy damage, with residential and commercial structures destroyed and large boulders scattered throughout the town by floodwaters.

Search-and-rescue operations are underway across the province, which borders Pakistan. Local officials including the mayor of the provincial capital remain missing following the disaster. Ashiqullah Safi, head of local NGO Shpoul, described the flooding as having "completely destroyed the municipality," noting that residents are searching debris without adequate equipment.

The flooding reflects a broader pattern of extreme weather affecting South Asia this monsoon season. Concurrent flooding and landslides in northern and northeastern India have killed at least 25 people, while Nepal has reported 27 deaths, one missing person, and 69 injuries from monsoon-related disasters since mid-June. Afghanistan's environmental protection agency head warned this month that flooding in the country has increased, with environmental degradation contributing to humanitarian challenges.