Heavy snowfall blocks Badakhshan roads

FAIZABAD (Pajhwok): Due to heavy snowfall over the last three days, residents of 17 districts of northeastern Badakhshan province have been suffering from health problems and food shortages, an official said on Monday.

The snowfall blocked roads leading to Raghestan, Kohistan, Yawan, Shahr-i-Bozurg, Argo, Darim, Tishkan, Arghanchkhwah, Shaghnan, Zibak, Ishkashim, Wakhan and Darwazaha districts.

Afghanistan Natural Disaster Management Authority (ANDMA) Director for Badakhshan Abdullah Humayon Dehqan, said: “So far there has been no report of human losses. But if the snowfall continues, residents could face more problems.”

He added the sick and elderly people could not afford living under such circumstance and they might lose their lives to the cold weather.

Abdul Rahim, a resident of Zirach village, said the snowfall was still ongoing. 150 centimeter of snow has fallen in the village so far.

Farah Naz Pamiri, a provincial council member, said the heavy snowfall had paralysed transport services. Assistance could not be delivered to the affected people as all roads have been closed and there is a danger of landslides.

nh/mud