As many as 113 people have now lost their lives in the catastrophic floods that struck in Nuristan Province, Afghanistan in late July 2021.
Flooding struck in Kamdesh district in Nuristan Province on 28 July 2021. Outside news from the site of the disaster has been limited by the remote location and damaged roads and telecommunication infrastructure, and by the fact the area is not under government control. However, on 31 July teams from the Afghan Red Crescent Society (ARCS) reached the area to assess the damage.
ARCS confirmed that the bodies of 113 people have been located. As many as 173 houses were completely destroyed or washed away, suggesting there are likely many more people still missing, although ARCS did not confirm this.
The floods swept through a narrow ravine late on 28 July, wiping out much of the village of Miardish in Kamdesh district. The damage has not only taken dozens of lives but also destroyed livelihoods. Initial assessments also showed nearly 30 business premises and 7 bridges were destroyed, as well as water and electricity infrastructure. Over 360 hectares of agricultural land and 3,200 fruit trees were also destroyed. At least 3 mosques were also destroyed.
