Avalanches kill 12, Destroy 50 Houses In Afghanistan

News Desk

Islamabad: At least 12 people have been killed and 50 dwellings destroyed by several avalanches in the northeastern Afghan province of Badakhshan over the previous four days, said a local official on Friday.

The mountainous province that borders Tajikistan and Pakistan experienced the avalanches as a result of severe snowfall in the Raghistan and Deraim districts, stated Natural Disaster Management Director Maulvi Mohammad Akram Akbari. The avalanches also injured 12 people, he added.

Earlier this week, two people were killed and six others were injured when an avalanche struck a vehicle in the Badakhshan province.

Heavy snowfall has caused the majority of mountain roads to be closed; as a result, vehicles have become stuck and people inside have died from exposure to the cold. Badakhshan is frequently affected by heavy snowfall and a subzero climate. Throughout the winter, the majority of the province’s districts became blocked, making it challenging for humanitarian organisations supply air and support.

According to an Afghanistan-based news agency, the country experienced its coldest winter in January 2023, which resulted in more than 200 fatalities, 70,000 animal deaths, and numerous injuries.