20 Afghans killed,100 missing after floods

At least 20 people have been killed and more than 100 remain missing after flooding struck Afghanistan’s Nuristan province on Monday, according to officials cited by Dawn World. The disaster hit Parun, the provincial capital, where residents were still searching through mud and debris for missing family members, including the town’s mayor.

Afghanistan’s disaster management agency, ANDMA, said 20 bodies had been recovered and that more than 80 people were injured in Parun and other parts of the eastern province. Nuristan borders Pakistan. Local officials said government employees were among those unaccounted for, including the mayor. Feraidon Samim, a spokesman for the Nuristan governor, said nine bodies had been recovered, while both he and ANDMA said more than 100 people were still missing.

The flooding appears to have caused severe damage in riverside areas of Parun. Residents described streets and business districts buried in mud after floodwaters receded, leaving behind large rocks and destruction. Ashiqullah Safi, who heads the Shpoul NGO in the town, said the flood had “completely destroyed the municipality,” along with hotels and dozens of shops.

Dawn reported that people in the area were searching without equipment, trying to find survivors or recover bodies amid the wreckage. In footage shared by a local resident, dozens of people were seen standing on mud-covered ground while others gathered along a road near the fast-moving river.

Zabihullah Mujahid, the Afghan government’s chief spokesman, confirmed deaths and property damage in Nuristan and said relevant agencies were working to save lives and property. ANDMA also warned of more rain and storms across several provinces, urging residents to stay away from riverbanks and other flood-prone areas.

This report is based on a monitored public feed and attributed to Dawn World. Source: Dawn World - https://www.dawn.com/news/2017161/20-afghans-killed100-missing-after-floods