Sabzak tunnel too closed for traffic

QALA-I-NAW (Pajhwok): The Sabzak Pass that connects western Herat province with northwestern Badghis has been closed for traffic due to heavy snowfall, an official said on Saturday.

Badghis Public Works Director Eng. Maleha told Pajhwok Afghan News heavy snowfall continued to lash the Sabzak tunnel as of Saturday afternoon.

The blizzard prompted security forces on both sides of the tunnel to stop vehicles from using the route as a precautionary measure to avoid accidents, she said.

She said though a contract with a private firm for clearing snow expired six days ago, yet two bulldozers of the company were busy removing snow on the Sabzak pass.

Maleha hoped the road would be cleared by the end of the day. About 10 days earlier, 110 people trapped in vehicles by heavy snow at the tunnel were rescued by security forces.

The continuous snowfall has also once again halted efforts at reopening the strategic Salang highway, which was closed a week ago due to heavy snowfall and avalanches. The highway connects central capital Kabul.

Avalanches and flash floods triggered by heavy snowfall and rains have killed more than 300 people across the country over the past two weeks.

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