A deadly flood in the city of Parun, the capital of Nuristan province, has left extensive human and financial losses in its wake. The natural disaster, which occurred on Monday, submerged parts of the city under mud and debris, destroying several houses, shops, hotels, and vehicles. The Taliban have announced that so far 23 people have been killed in the incident, about 80 have been injured, and nearly 100 others are missing. As search and rescue operations continue to locate the missing, images released from the scene show the extent of the destruction and residents’ efforts to find their loved ones. International organizations have also expressed sympathy and offered support to those affected by the incident.
On Monday, a devastating flood swept through the city of Parun, the capital of Nuristan province, causing human casualties and enormous financial losses. The Taliban have said that 23 people were killed in the incident, about 80 were injured, and nearly 100 others remain missing.
Taj Mohammad Hemat, deputy spokesman for the Taliban’s National Disaster Management Authority (ANDMA), said yesterday that 15 bodies had been pulled from under the debris and mud, and that search and rescue operations were continuing. According to him, the floods destroyed seven houses and partially damaged 23 others.
This Taliban spokesman also said that 70 shops, 40 light and heavy vehicles, and 11 hotels have been fully or partially damaged. He emphasized that these figures are preliminary and that the number of casualties and the extent of damage could rise as search operations and damage assessments continue.
Images released of the flooding in the center of Nuristan show that shops and buildings along the rivers have been destroyed, and residents are searching through the mud for missing people, including the city’s mayor.
Residents of Parun have said that the flood destroyed the municipality building, hotels and dozens of shops, leaving large boulders in parts of the city. Local videos show people standing in the mud, while others have gathered along the roaring rivers.
The European Union, in response to the incident, said: “Following the devastating floods in Parun, our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Nuristan. We extend our deepest condolences to the families who have lost their loved ones, and we stand with all those affected. We hope that the missing will be found as soon as possible, and we wish strength and success to the rescue and relief teams.”
Richard Lindsay, the United Kingdom’s Special Envoy to Afghanistan, also said: “We were deeply saddened to hear of the devastating floods in Afghanistan’s Nuristan province, which have resulted in a significant loss of life and the disappearance of many people. We extend our sympathy to those affected, their families, and the rescue workers who are carrying out search and rescue operations.”
UNICEF has said that flash floods in eastern Afghanistan, particularly in the Parun area of Nuristan province, have caused loss of life and heavy financial damage. The organization, expressing sympathy with the families of the victims, announced that its partners are present on the ground and are setting up a field clinic to provide specialized trauma care and emergency medical services to those affected. UNICEF emphasized that relief efforts in the region will continue to support affected people and address their urgent needs.
At the same time, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) has said that the severe flooding in Nuristan has affected residents, causing loss of life, injuries to several people, and damage to homes, infrastructure and agricultural land. The organization added that as search and rescue operations continue, IOM teams are present on the ground and are conducting rapid, multi-sectoral assessments to identify the urgent needs of those affected.
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs in Afghanistan (OCHA) said in a report that, in addition to the loss of life and financial damage, four bridges, six sections of roads, 400 meters of protective walls and 450 meters of irrigation canals have also been damaged. About 50 jeribs (10 hectares) of agricultural land were also damaged by the flood. According to OCHA, damage to the water supply network has left about a thousand families without access to safe drinking water. In addition, 25 vehicles, two carpentry workshops along with sawing equipment, a mosque and a private clinic have also been damaged or destroyed.
OCHA also said that in Torkham, Nangarhar province, flash floods caused the deaths of three deportees expelled from Pakistan and injured nine others at the returnees’ transit camp on the Pakistani side of the border. According to the report, the floods also temporarily disrupted movement at the Torkham border crossing and damaged private shops and livelihood facilities in the “Zero Point” area.
OCHA further added that in Alingar district, Laghman province, the flood damaged agricultural land and irrigation systems. However, as of the release of the latest report, no damage to residential homes had been recorded in the district.
You can read the Persian version of this report here:
سیلاب مرگبار نورستان؛ شهری زیر گلولای و خانوادههایی در انتظار
