More lives lost as heavy snow continues

KABUL (SW): Heavy snowfall and sub-zero temperatures across the country claimed more than fifty lives on Sunday. 

Local officials in Nuristan province have said up to 50 people have died due to heavy snow and avalanches in the Barg Matal and Mandol districts alone. Hafiz Abdul Qayom, the interim governor, told Salam Watandar the death toll could be even higher as many people are still missing.

The unprecedented snow in a decade has led to the closure of main highways leaving many people stranded, out of power and other supplies. A high-level meeting chaired by the President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani directed the concerned officials and departments to be on their toes in response to the harsh winter.

Mohammad Aslam, deputy director of the National Disasters Management Authority (NDMA), has confirmed 32 deaths in the past 48 hours. He added efforts are underway to swiftly provide rescue and relief services to the affected countrymen.

ENDS