Afghanaid is deeply saddened by the devastating flash floods that struck Nuristan Province on 20 July, causing tragic loss of life and widespread destruction.

Our thoughts are with the families who have lost loved ones, those who have been injured, and the many people whose homes, livelihoods and communities have been devastated. We stand in solidarity with everyone affected, as well as with the emergency responders and local authorities carrying out search and rescue efforts under extremely challenging conditions.

According to reports, at least 23 people have lost their lives, around 80 people have been injured, and more than 100 remain missing following the floods, which have severely affected Parun and surrounding communities. Homes, businesses, roads, bridges and agricultural land have been destroyed, while damaged infrastructure and difficult mountainous terrain continue to hamper rescue efforts.

Commenting on the tragedy, Charles Davy, Managing Director of Afghanaid, said:

We extend our deepest condolences to the families who have lost loved ones and stand in solidarity with everyone whose lives have been upended by these floods. Once again, communities in Afghanistan are facing the devastating consequences of extreme weather, often with very limited resources to prepare for or recover from disasters. This tragedy is a stark reminder of the urgent need to strengthen resilience so that vulnerable communities are better protected from the growing impacts of climate-related shocks.

Flooding is becoming an increasingly frequent and destructive reality for communities across Afghanistan, particularly in remote areas where fragile infrastructure, environmental degradation and the impacts of climate change leave families exposed to extreme weather events. For communities already living with the effects of decades of conflict, poverty and a deepening humanitarian crisis, disasters such as these can eradicate livelihoods and homes in a matter of hours, with no safety net to fall back on.

As further heavy rainfall and flash floods are forecast in several parts of the country, Afghanaid will continue to monitor the situation and assess the risks to the communities in our areas of operation. We hope those in the path of these storms remain safe and that affected communities receive the support they need to recover and rebuild.