Rescuers search for survivors amid risk of fresh floods in Afghanistan

Rescue teams in Afghanistan are conducting search and recovery operations following catastrophic flooding that struck the eastern province of Nuristan on Monday. The sudden deluge, which cascaded down mountainsides, resulted in at least 23 deaths and left more than 100 individuals unaccounted for. Authorities report that an unknown number of structures collapsed during the disaster, including buildings in the provincial capital of Parun, where footage documented the destruction of homes reduced to mud and debris. As rescue efforts continue, meteorological officials have issued warnings that additional extreme weather events pose a significant threat to the region. The Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation's meteorology department forecasted that ten of Afghanistan's 34 provinces face the risk of heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, strong winds, and further flash flooding. Afghanistan's vulnerability to such disasters is compounded by decades of conflict, inadequate infrastructure, deforestation, and climate change impacts. Many dwellings in remote areas are constructed from mud and provide minimal protection against sudden flooding or heavy precipitation. The current monsoon season has triggered similar disasters across South Asia, with neighboring countries experiencing comparable casualties and damage. India reported at least 25 deaths from flooding and landslides in northern and northeastern regions, while Nepal has recorded 27 fatalities and one missing person from monsoon-related events since mid-June. Afghanistan's capacity to respond to such emergencies remains severely limited due to its fragile infrastructure and economic constraints.