More than 40 killed in deadly Nuristan floods, says UN

More than 40 people have been killed, dozens injured and many remain missing after heavy rainfall and flash flooding swept through parts of eastern Afghanistan, according to the United Nations.

Speaking at a press briefing, UN Secretary-General’s Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said preliminary reports indicate that the floods also caused extensive damage to homes, public buildings and businesses.

He said search-and-rescue operations are continuing in the hardest-hit areas, while the United Nations and its humanitarian partners are carrying out rapid assessments to determine the scale of the disaster and coordinate an emergency response.

Dujarric said the most urgent humanitarian needs include emergency shelter, food assistance, healthcare, essential household supplies and psychosocial support for affected communities.

He added that mobile health teams have already been deployed, healthcare facilities have been placed on alert, and additional medical, nutrition and food supplies are being mobilized to assist those impacted by the disaster.

Dujarric also said the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) is working closely with humanitarian partners and local authorities to coordinate relief efforts, although damaged roads and difficult terrain are complicating access to affected communities and slowing the delivery of aid.