Afghanistan Floods, Landslides Kill 17 in 24 Hours

Severe flooding, landslides, and thunderstorms have claimed at least 17 lives and injured 26 others across Afghanistan in the past 24 hours, authorities reported Sunday, as extreme weather battered 13 provinces and raised fears of further casualties.

The National Disaster Management Authority, which oversees emergency responses, confirmed the toll in a statement, noting that rescue teams were still assessing remote areas where access remains difficult. Affected provinces include Jawzjan, Samangan, Sar-e Pol, Faryab, Daikundi, Ghor, Badghis, Herat, Farah, Laghman, Parwan, Maidan Wardak, and Logar, primarily in the western, central, and northwestern regions. Authority spokesman Yousuf Hammad warned that the death toll could rise as crews continue their surveys.

The disasters destroyed or partially damaged 147 homes, affecting more than 500 families, and wiped out about 80 kilometers of roads, hampering transportation and relief efforts. Floodwaters also ruined over 500 jeribs of agricultural land, damaged 31 wells and irrigation networks, and impacted local businesses. In Kabul, recent heavy rains caused localized flooding, submerging sections of roads and disrupting traffic.