Severe flooding, landslides and thunderstorms across Afghanistan killed 17 people and injured 26 others over a 24-hour period ending Sunday, according to the country's National Disaster Management Authority.

Thirteen of Afghanistan's 34 provinces were affected by the extreme weather, primarily in western, central and northwestern regions. The severe conditions destroyed or damaged 147 homes, wiped out 80 kilometers of roads, and caused significant damage to agricultural land, irrigation canals and businesses, affecting 530 families in total.

Yousuf Hammad, spokesman for the disaster management authority, warned that casualty numbers could rise as survey crews assess the full extent of damage in affected areas. Heavy rainfall was forecast to continue Monday in eastern and central parts of the country, with officials warning of potential flooding in those regions.

Authorities advised residents to avoid river banks and flood-prone areas, while ordering local officials to remain on standby to provide assistance. The disaster management authority issued warnings for residents in at-risk areas as weather conditions were expected to persist.

Afghanistan faces recurring extreme weather events throughout the year, with heavy rains and snowfall frequently triggering deadly flash floods. Earlier this year, heavy snowfall and flash floods killed dozens across the country, while more than 300 people died in springtime flash floods in 2024.

Decades of conflict, poor infrastructure, economic struggles, deforestation and climate change effects have increased the country's vulnerability to natural disasters. Remote areas are particularly at risk, where many homes constructed of mud provide limited protection against sudden flooding or heavy snowfall.