Afghanistan is one of the poorest countries in the world and, at the same time, one of the countries most severely affected by climate change. This is evident not only in more frequent droughts and more extreme temperatures, but also in events such as sudden, very heavy rainfall that can trigger flash floods. This is exactly what happened in July 2026 in Nuristan Province—a mountainous province with very deep valleys and numerous rivers, making it particularly prone to flash floods that can follow heavy rainfall events.

Amid other global (natural) disasters, this news story has gone virtually unnoticed. Nevertheless, at least 26 people lost their lives, more than 80 were injured, and another 100 are reported missing. Numerous homes were destroyed or severely damaged. Many people lost their means of livelihood and were left without shelter, protection, water, or food.

A significant portion of the infrastructure was damaged, and people lost their pastures, farmland, and livestock—and with them, their livelihoods.

This flood disaster will likely not be the last to prompt cries for help from Afghanistan. In addition to the humanitarian crises caused by the country’s political and economic situation, the consequences of human-induced climate change will increasingly affect the people there—people who are among the victims of this global crisis, even though they themselves have contributed only a negligible amount to its causes.