Kabul: At least 17 people have been killed and 26 others injured after severe flooding, landslides, and thunderstorms swept across large parts of Afghanistan over the past 24 hours, authorities confirmed on Sunday. Officials warn the death toll could rise as rescue teams continue assessing the damage.

According to the country’s National Disaster Management Authority, extreme weather conditions have impacted 13 out of 34 provinces, particularly in western, central, and northwestern regions. Emergency crews are still reaching remote and cut-off areas, raising concerns that more casualties may be found.

Spokesperson Yousuf Hammad said widespread destruction has compounded the crisis. At least 147 homes have been fully or partially destroyed, while nearly 80 kilometers of roads have been washed away, disrupting transport and rescue operations. Floodwaters have also devastated farmland, irrigation systems and local businesses, affecting more than 530 families.

Meteorological warnings indicate that heavy rainfall will continue into Monday, especially across eastern and central Afghanistan. Authorities have issued urgent advisories urging residents to avoid riverbanks and flood-prone zones amid fears of additional flash floods.

Local officials have been placed on high alert, with emergency response teams on standby as the situation evolves.

Recurring climate crisis in Afghanistan

This latest disaster highlights a growing pattern of extreme weather in Afghanistan. Earlier this year, heavy snowfall and flash floods claimed dozens of lives. In 2024 alone, more than 300 people were killed during seasonal flooding.

Experts say Afghanistan remains one of the most climate-vulnerable countries in the world. Years of conflict, fragile infrastructure, deforestation, and economic challenges have left communities highly exposed to natural disasters. Many rural homes, often built with mud, offer little resistance against sudden floods or landslides.

AP inputs