Deadly Afghanistan floods kill at least 26 as aid agencies race to reach survivors

Deadly Afghanistan floods kill at least 26 as aid agencies race to reach survivors Heavy rains on 20 July triggered deadly flooding in parts of Afghanistan, resulting in at least 26 deaths, according to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). The disaster also left three Afghan refugees dead at a returnee transit camp near the Torkham border crossing with Pakistan, with nine others injured. The flooding overwhelmed residential and commercial areas in Parun City, the capital of Nuristan province, where a sudden flash flood struck at approximately 3 p.m. local time. The worst impact was felt in Nuristan, where preliminary assessments suggest that at least 22 homes were completely destroyed and 45 others suffered severe damage. Infrastructure such as four bridges, six road segments, irrigation canals and flood protection walls also sustained major damage, significantly impeding access to affected communities. In addition, the local water supply system was damaged, leaving around 1,000 families without safe drinking water. Agricultural land spanning approximately 10 hectares was also impacted, raising concerns about the region's long-term economic stability. Immediate efforts are focused on saving lives and reaching individuals who may still be missing or injured. Olga Cherevko, representing OCHA, emphasized that while the primary concern is life-saving, the aftermath will require broader support. Families displaced by the disaster will need shelter and basic necessities, while disruptions to water and irrigation systems threaten both public health and livelihoods. Mobile health teams, along with medical supplies and emergency food aid, are currently being dispatched to the area. Search-and-rescue operations continue, although challenges remain. An NGO staff member is reported missing, and the condition of several aid facilities has deteriorated. The situation is compounded by difficult terrain and damaged roads, which hinder access to remote mountainous regions. Despite these obstacles, humanitarian groups are working to set up a field clinic in Parun to offer trauma care and emergency medical services to those affected. The effects of the flooding extended beyond Nuristan. At the Torkham border crossing, temporary disruption occurred, impacting movement between Afghanistan and Pakistan. Floodwaters also damaged shops and other structures vital to local economies, including the protective wall surrounding a refugee repatriation compound. In neighboring Laghman Province, the main damage was to agricultural land and irrigation systems, though no reports of home destruction emerged during recent evaluations. OCHA has identified several urgent needs, including emergency shelter, food assistance, clean water, hygiene materials, healthcare services, mental health support and household essentials for those displaced by the disaster. Three inter-agency assessment teams are scheduled to conduct detailed surveys to determine the full extent of the damage and pinpoint the most vulnerable populations. However, the response is being delayed by challenging conditions, including the risk of further rain, which could lead to additional flooding and complicate rescue missions. Humanitarian partners are closely monitoring weather forecasts, warning that continued instability could worsen the crisis. With the potential for more rain in the coming days, the focus remains on ensuring timely delivery of aid and maintaining safety for those in need. As the situation unfolds, the international community continues to watch closely, hoping to support recovery efforts in this isolated and vulnerable region.