At least 20 dead, over 100 missing in Afghanistan flash flood

Neena Mae Rayos, Philippine Canadian Inquirer
July 21, 2026

(Photo Courtesy: Canva)

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN – Devastating flash floods struck the northeastern province of Nuristan in Afghanistan, leaving at least 20 people dead and 100 others missing, according to the Taliban-run government.

The National Disaster Management Authority reported that the town of Parun suffered the most significant damage, with at least 80 additional individuals injured.

In response, officials launched an urgent search and rescue operation in the remote Afghan-Pakistani border region, warning of potentially severe human and financial losses.

This tragedy underscores Afghanistan’s extreme vulnerability to climate change impacts, which have created a paradox of drought and intense rainfall, while long-standing deforestation in Nuristan has further exacerbated the situation by reducing the soil’s ability to absorb heavy rains.