Hundreds trapped as landslide blocks highway

GARDEZ (PAN): A landslide, triggered by heavy rains, blocked on Tuesday a portion of the Khost-Gardez highway in southern Ghazni province, leaving hundreds of passenger vehicles stranded, an official said.

The massive landside in the Sat-i-Kandaw area hit three trucks, a commuter named Noman told Pajhwok Afghan News. He reached Gardez after remaining trapped for eight hours.

Hundreds of people, including women and children, were stranded due to the road blockade, he said

Public Works Director Obaidullah Durrani said they had sent workers and road-clearing machines to the area to reopen the highway. He hoped the road would be reopened later in the day.

The official said the highway was a busy trade route, with thousands of vehicles travelling it daily. Portions of the highway damaged by heavy rains and landslides would be repaired soon, he promised.

mrh/ma/mud

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