4 killed in Badakhshan avalanches

FAIZABAD (PAN): Avalanches killed four people and injured eight others in the rugged northeastern province of Badakhshan, an official said on Sunday.

The first avalanche, triggered by days of snowfall, hit the Khonilar village of Raghistan district, killing three people, while six others endangered by the snow were rescued in cooperation with residents, the Afghanistan Natural Disasters Management Authority (ANDMA) head for Badakhshan, Sanaullah Amiri, told Pajhwok Afghan News.

Another avalanche took place in Malvan village of Shahr-i-Buzurg district late on Saturday, he said. One civilian was killed in the incident.  Another 12 civilians engaged in rescue efforts went missing after another avalanche struck at the area.

However, the individuals were rescued by residents, with eight of them sustaining serious injuries, Amiri said, adding the injured were shifted to the Shahr-i-Buzurg health facility.    

Separately, two Sheppard were injured and 130 sheep killed when a heavy snowstorm swept through Aibak city, the capital of neighbouring Samangan province.

Mohammad Amin, a resident of Zhwandon valley, said two Sheppard with 800 domestic animals were trapped in Chadar Tipa area due to the snowstorm.  “The Sheppard, who got injured are rescued, but 130 animals are lost”, he concluded.

mm/ma

Visits: 6