Heavy avalanches block key Badghis pass

QALA-I-NAW (PAN): Snow avalanches have blocked a key pass connecting northwestern Badghis province with western Herat, officials said on Monday.

The Sabzak Pass has been closed since Sunday night, Abdul Ghani Saberi, the deputy governor, told Pajhwok Afghan News.

An avalanche triggered by a snowstorm had blocked the pass for traffic he said, adding they had asked the contractor to take measures for reopening the highway.

Abdul Majeed Shakib, a member of the provincial council, said the highway closure had created problems for drivers and passengers. Three vehicles trapped by the avalanches were rescued by residents.

Passengers said they faced problems due the highway blockade and the contractor was using a single bulldozer to remove the snow.

However, the company’s officials said they were using two vehicles for clearing the snow and that efforts were ongoing to reopen the highway as soon as possible.

mrh/mud

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