Fate of snow-trapped villagers unknown

TALOQAN (Pajhwok): Avalanches triggered by heavy snowfall has isolated residents of at least seven villages in Warsaj district of northern Takhar province for the past nine days, an official said on Wednesday, fearing a humanitarian crisis.

Acting governor Abdul Latif Ibrahimi said they had no information about causalities in the avalanches, but they feared a humanitarian crisis if residents stuck in the snow were not rescued.

Ibrahimi, leading a team which comprised the police chief and the provincial spy department head, had tried to reach the district with relief goods, but they returned because the road leading to the town had been blocked by heavy snowfall.

Sarajuddin, a resident of the district, told Pajhwok Afghan News the snow had left residents stranded residents of eight villages over the past nine days.

A Public Works Department official Abdul Momin said crews were working to clear the road between Warsaj and Taloqan from snow.

Local officials said they were trying to reach out to the snow-trapped residents with relief goods, but their fate remains unknown.

More than 300 people have been confirmed dead in avalanches and flash floods triggered by heavy snowfall and rains across the country.

hs/ma

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