18 more dead in Badakhshan avalanche

FAIZABAD (Pajhwok): At least 18 persons have been died after part of a village buried under snow avalanche in Mahmi district of northeastern Badakhshan province, an official said Thursday.

Deputy Governor Gul Mohammad Baidar told Pajhwok Afghan News the incident took place in Tang Shaw village of the district last night.

According to initial information, at least 18 persons were confirmed dead he said, adding that more details were coming amid fear that death toll could climb.

Abdullah Humayun Dehqan, director natural disaster management authority, confirmed that avalanche had hit part of a village and said that a number of houses were destroyed in the incident.

He said 139 people affected by the avalanches spend nights in cold weather without any shelter. The ministry of defense was set to send food items and other assistance to the affected families today, he added.

As result of recent snowfalls, at least 129 persons have been died in Panjsher province and in total, 168 people lost their lives in avalanches and other rain related incidents.

mds/rm

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