Eastern Afghanistan was struck by flash floods that left at least 20 people dead, 80 injured, and over 100 missing, authorities confirmed late on Monday.

Yousaf Hammad of the National Disaster Management Authority said that a rescue mission was underway to locate the missing and bring them to safety if possible.

 "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,” Hammad said, stressing that there had been severe damage to people's homes, farmland, and public facilities.

 "We urge all citizens to stay away from flood-prone areas and zones at risk."

A spokesman for the Taliban government in Kabul added:  "We pray for those who lost their lives in this incident and for a speedy recovery for the injured."

Why Afghanistan is vulnerable to floods

A variety of factors have left Afghanistan particularly vulnerable to extreme weather events. Decades of conflict, followed by the removal of foreign investment after the return of the Taliban in 2021 has left prevention infrastructure in poor condition, where it exists at all.

Deforestation, a struggling economy, and the effects of climate change have compounded these issues.

More heavy rain, thunderstorms, and extreme winds were predicted to continue in 10 of the countries 34 provinces in the coming days, Taliban officials said.

Edited by: Rana Taha

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