2 panners presumed dead after drowning in Badakhsan

FAIZABAD (Pajhwok): Two gold panners are thought to have died after drowning in the Kokcha river in northeastern Badakhshan province on Monday, an official said.

Mahazuddin Ahmadi, head of the Information and Culture department, said the incident took place this noon in the Sang-i-Aab Yaftan area.

According to him, bodies of the men were yet to be found. He identified the panners as Aminullah and Fayeq. While prospecting for gold ore, they drowned while crossing the water in Sang Ab Yaftal Payan area.

He said local residents due to unemployment search for gold using pan in the Kokche river and earn around 200 to 400 afghanis a day.

hz/sa/ma