Severe Flooding Hits Northeastern Afghanistan

Torrential rains and flash floods have devastated Nuristan Province in eastern Afghanistan. At least 23 people have lost their lives, 15 have been injured, and hundreds of families have suffered severe damage to their homes and livelihoods. The New Consultancy and Relief Organization (NCRO), already operating in the area, has launched an initial emergency response to support affected communities, distributing safe drinking water and food supplies. We are closely monitoring the evolution of the emergency and supporting our partner in coordinating efforts and identifying the most urgent priorities.

On 20 July 2026, heavy and persistent rainfall triggered severe flooding across several areas of eastern Afghanistan. The most serious impact was recorded in the city of Parun, the capital of Nuristan Province, while additional flooding was reported in Torkham, Nangarhar Province, and in Alingar District, Laghman Province.

According to preliminary assessments, floodwaters swept through residential areas in Parun. At least 22 homes were completely destroyed and another 45 sustained severe damage. Public infrastructure, markets, and agricultural land were also heavily affected. Authorities have confirmed 23 fatalities and at least 15 injuries, while some people remain missing. Search and rescue operations are still underway, and access to essential services has been disrupted.

Particularly critical is the situation regarding access to water. Damage to the local water network has interrupted the supply of safe drinking water for approximately 1,000 families, while damaged roads and bridges are limiting humanitarian access to affected communities.

These floods are part of an increasingly frequent series of extreme weather events affecting Afghanistan, worsening already significant humanitarian needs and further undermining the resilience of local communities.

Just a few months earlier, during the first months of 2026, communities in neighbouring Kunar Province were struck by a devastating earthquake. In response, WeWorld intervened in collaboration with its local partner, the New Consultancy and Relief Organization (NCRO), to rehabilitate community water systems, construct latrines, and distribute water disinfection kits, reaching thousands of people.

NCRO has already launched an initial response in the affected areas and is gathering information directly from communities to identify the most urgent needs. WeWorld remains in constant contact with its partner and is closely involved in coordination efforts with United Nations agencies and other humanitarian actors operating in the area, contributing to the assessment of potential support actions.

The first information collected indicates urgent needs related to access to safe drinking water, food availability, emergency shelter, and essential household items for families who have lost their homes or livelihoods. Particular attention must be given to the most vulnerable groups, including women, children, older people, and persons with disabilities.

Based on identified priorities and available resources, the response may include:

The emergency has also had direct consequences for humanitarian organizations operating in the area. NCRO has suffered extensive damage to its offices, warehouses, and operational vehicles. One member of the organization’s staff lost their life while carrying out field activities during the emergency.

Despite this tragic loss and the damage sustained, NCRO continues to work tirelessly in responding to the crisis.

We continue to monitor developments closely and stand ready to strengthen our intervention in support of the communities most severely affected.