Heavy rain and flooding claimed the lives of at least 16 persons and damaged over 500 houses in Kandahar province south of Afghanistan, spokesman for provincial administration Zalmai Ayubi said Monday.

"The flood washed away three vehicles in Shah Walikot district on Sunday as a result 16 passengers were killed and of these only six bodies have been found and search for the remaining 10 is continuing," Ayubi told media.

He also added that 510 mud houses have been damaged in and outside Kandahar city.

Eleven people including five children have also lost their lives in the heavy rains and flooding that hit western Farah province on Sunday.