Heavy snow cuts off Bamyan from Kabul

BAMYAN CITY (Pajhwok): Shibar Pass, one of the two main routes between Kabul and central Bamyan province, has been closed by heavy snow, leaving several vehicles stranded, drivers said on Monday.

Authorities closed the highway before noon after snowstorms and slides hit it at various places, driver Mohammad Khalil told Pajhwok Afghan News. He said in some parts snow was measured more than a metre.

“We are waiting for the road to be cleared; otherwise we would have to return back to Bamyan.” He said more than 10 vehicles with women and children were stranded on the highway amid fears their commute could turn into a nightmare.

Bamyan police spokesman Mohammad Hassan Habibi said a contractor company had launched its snow-clearing operations on the road. He hoped the route would be cleared and traffic allowed movement till evening.

Heavy snowing has also blocked the Ghogardan Pass in Punjab district of Bamyan and roads in Behsud district of Maidan Wardak.  

Bamyan Emergency Response Committee head Mohammad Reza Rifat confirmed the two passes in had been closed due to bad weather conditions.

He said another pass Shato, which connects Waris, Punjab and Yakawlang districts, had also been shut for traffic, but efforts were ongoing to clear the routes.

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