Floods Kill Dozens In Kabul, Eastern Afghanistan

KABUL -- Afghan officials say rescue operations are under way in Kabul and several eastern provinces, where heavy floods have killed dozens of people.

Afghanistan's Defense Ministry said some 500 troops were taking part in rescue operations.

The ministry said army helicopters transferred at least 225 people in affected villages to safe areas.

The floods caused by torrential rains mainly affected areas in Kabul, Khost, Konar, Paktia and Nangarhar provinces.

At least 19 people, including women and children were killed in Nangarhar alone on August 3.

Officials say dozens were still unaccounted for, and hundreds of houses, and many bazaars and businesses were inundated.

Forecasts show heavy rains will continue in the region for another two weeks.