At least 20 people have died and more than 80 others were injured following severe flooding in Nuristan province, Afghanistan, authorities reported on Monday. The disaster struck the remote north-eastern region, affecting the provincial capital, Parun, where rescue efforts have been hampered by the area's challenging terrain.

Feraidon Samim, a spokesperson for the Nuristan governor, confirmed that an additional 105 people—including the town's mayor—were still unaccounted for in the aftermath of the flooding. The high number of missing individuals reflects the scale of the disaster and the difficulties faced in reaching isolated communities within the province.

Local sources noted that much of Parun’s infrastructure, including a market area, shops, and municipal buildings, are situated along the riverside and were heavily impacted by the rising waters. Ashiqullah Safi, head of a non-governmental organization based in Parun, described the flood as having “completely destroyed the municipality,” citing extensive damage to hotels, dozens of shops, and other key facilities.

Details on the cause of the flooding have yet to be fully clarified, but the region’s mountainous geography and seasonal rainfall likely contributed to the severity of the incident. Nuristan is known for its rugged landscape, which can complicate both disaster prevention and response operations.

Efforts to locate and assist missing residents remain underway, with local authorities and humanitarian groups focused on providing emergency aid and assessing the full extent of the damage. The flooding’s impact on infrastructure and displaced residents highlights the ongoing challenges faced by communities in Afghanistan’s remote provinces during extreme weather events.