KABUL (SW): Heavy snowfall across the country has claimed 42 lives, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) stated on Saturday.
According to the NDMA, unprecedented snowfall has particularly affected some 19 province where up to 100 homes have been completely destroyed by the heavy snow storms. Sayed Abdul Humayoon Dehqan, head of the Badakhshan chapter of the NDMA, told Salam Watandar heavy snowfall in Maimy and Yaran districts of the province has claimed 18 lives and has left 12 people critically injured. “This year’s snow has damaged 25 homes and has blocked main roads to 10 districts, sending help to the affected areas is almost impossible”, added Dehqan.
The heavy snowstorm has also closed roads in Bamyan, Daikundi and Ghazni provinces as well. Jawzjan province is also suffering road blockages. Rahmatullah Hashar, chief of the Darz Aab district in Jawzjan, has said 15 passengers are stranded in Sar Dara and Kolyan areas of the province. He assured rescue efforts are underway to save the passengers.
Azizullah Eman, head of Sar-i-Pul chapter of the NDMA, has said heavy snowfall has taken 6 lives in the province besides damaging 24 homes in the province. General Rajab, Salang pass security official, has said 18 avalanches have hit the pass till now and more such avalanches are expected. “The Salang pass is closed to traffic for safety purposes”, said Rajab.
ENDS
