Flash Floods Ravage Parun, Nuristan Province, Afghanistan

On Monday, July 20 2026, torrential rain triggered flash floods that swept through Parun, the capital of Afghanistan’s eastern Nuristan province. The Taliban-run National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) reported at least 20 deaths, roughly 80 injuries, and more than 100 people missing. The floods damaged municipal buildings, hotels, shops, bridges and residential homes, and forced authorities to launch a large-scale search-and-rescue operation in the remote, mountainous border region.

Afghanistan: Floods kill at least 20 in Nuristan, more than 100 missingThe Straits TimesFlash floods kill at least 20 in Afghanistan and leave more than 100 missingDeadly Floods Devastate Afghanistan’s Nuristan; Death Toll Rises to 20, More Than 100 Missing

Afghanistan is among the nations most vulnerable to climate-related extremes. Recent statements from the country’s environmental protection agency note that “extreme rainfall has become more common and more intense across most of the world because of the human-caused climate crisis.” Decades of deforestation in Nuristan have reduced soil absorption capacity, amplifying runoff and flood severity.

Flash Floods in Afghanistan's Nuristan Kill 20, Over 100 Missing

• Yousaf Hammad – Spokesman, Afghanistan National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA)

The Straits Times

• Yousuf Hamad – Spokesperson, Taliban’s National Disaster Management Authority (ANDMA)

Afghanistan: Floods kill at least 20 in Nuristan, more than 100 missing

• Faridun Samim – Spokesperson for the Nuristan governor

Deadly Floods Devastate Afghanistan’s Nuristan; Death Toll Rises to 20, More Than 100 Missing

• Feraidon Samim – Spokesperson for the Nuristan governor (alternative source)

Deadly Floods Devastate Afghanistan’s Nuristan; Death Toll Rises to 20, More Than 100 Missing

• Zabihullah Mujahid – Chief spokesperson for the Afghan government

The Guardian

• Matiul Haq Khalis – Head, Afghanistan’s Environmental Protection Agency

The Guardian

• Ashiqullah Safi – Head, local NGO in Parun

The Guardian

• Confirmed deaths: 20

Afghanistan: Floods kill at least 20 in Nuristan, more than 100 missing

• Injured: ? 80 (reported as “about 80” and “80”)

20 killed, over 100 missing in Nuristan flash floods

• Missing: > 100 (one source cites 105, including the mayor)

The Guardian

• Preliminary financial loss estimate: ? $35 million (Nuristan governor’s office)

Deadly Floods Devastate Afghanistan’s Nuristan; Death Toll Rises to 20, More Than 100 Missing

• 2024 spring floods killed > 300 people; earlier 2026 floods killed 110 people nationwide

Afghanistan: Floods kill at least 20 in Nuristan, more than 100 missing

Afghan authorities described the event as “severe financial and human losses” and emphasized that casualty figures are preliminary, with the number of missing likely to rise. Rescue teams are conducting searches despite rugged terrain and damaged road networks. The government pledged assistance to victims’ families and urged residents to avoid flood-prone zones. The Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation’s meteorology department warned that heavy rain, thunderstorms and flash floods are forecast for ten provinces, underscoring ongoing risk.

Flash floods kill at least 20 in Afghanistan and leave more than 100 missing

Local NGO leader Ashiqullah Safi said the flood “completely destroyed the municipality,” noting that boulders were left in streets and that residents were searching for the missing without equipment. Environmental officials highlighted that deforestation and climate-driven rainfall patterns have “severely affected the Afghan people and have contributed to a humanitarian crisis in the country.”

The Guardian

Sources differ on the exact number of missing persons: the NDMA cites “more than 100,” while the Nuristan governor’s office reports 105 including the mayor. Injury counts vary between “about 80” and “80.” Detailed assessments of damage to homes, roads and infrastructure have not yet been released, leaving the full humanitarian impact unclear.

Flash Floods in Afghanistan's Nuristan Kill 20, Over 100 Missing

The disaster illustrates Afghanistan’s acute exposure to climate-induced hazards, compounded by deforestation and fragile infrastructure. Large-scale loss of life and property threatens regional stability, strains limited disaster-response capacity, and may prompt increased humanitarian aid requirements.

Flash Floods in Afghanistan's Nuristan Kill 20, Over 100 Missing

The meteorology department expects further extreme weather across ten provinces, suggesting that additional flood events could occur before the end of the season. Ongoing rescue operations and damage assessments will inform any forthcoming emergency funding or international assistance.

Flash Floods in Afghanistan's Nuristan Kill 20, Over 100 Missing

• “Unfortunately, severe floods today in Parun city and several other areas of Nuristan province have caused heavy loss of life and property among our fellow citizens,” — Yousaf Hammad, spokesman, Afghanistan National Disaster Management Authority

Flash floods kill at least 20 in Afghanistan and leave more than 100 missing

• “Ashiqullah Safi, the head of an NGO based in the town, said the flood had “completely destroyed the municipality”, including hotels and dozens of shops.” — Ashiqullah Safi, head of a local NGO

The Guardian

• “We were saddened to learn that floods caused loss of life and property damage in Nuristan province this afternoon,” — Zabihullah Mujahid, chief spokesperson, Afghan government

Flash floods kill at least 20 in Afghanistan and leave more than 100 missing

• “Extreme rainfall has become more common and more intense across most of the world because of the human-caused climate crisis.” — Matiul Haq Khalis, head, Afghanistan’s Environmental Protection Agency

The Guardian

• “The number of casualties and missing people is likely to increase.” — Yousuf Hamad, spokesperson, Taliban’s National Disaster Management Authority

Afghanistan: Floods kill at least 20 in Nuristan, more than 100 missing