Snow blocks roads in north

MAZAR-I-SHARIF (PAN): Several roads have been closed in northern Sar-i-Pul and Jawzjan provinces as a result of recent heavy snowfall, officials said on Saturday, as residents feared food price crisis.

Highways in Balkhab and Kohistan districts of Sar-i-Pul and in Darzab district of Jawzjan remain blocked due to heavy snowing.

Syed Ibrar, a Kohistan dweller, who brought his ailing son to the provincial capital, Sar-i-Pul city, for treatment two days ago could not return home. He feared food prices could rise sky-high.

Governor Abdul Jabbar Haqbin said that a snow-removing drive had been launched in the two districts, hoping stranded people would be able to reach their destinations soon.

In neighbouring Jawzjan, heavy snowfall had blocked roads connecting Darzab town with provincial capital, Shiberghan. Similarly, roads in the Qush Tapa district have been closed.

Yama Jamily, the governor’s spokesman, said efforts were being made to reopen closed roads. He said so far no death or injury has been reported in the province.

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