25 killed in Afghanistan landslide caused by snow
A devastating landslide triggered by heavy snowfall has resulted in the loss of 25 lives and left eight individuals injured in the eastern Afghan province of Nuristan, according to statements from a spokesman for the disaster management ministry on Monday.
The avalanche occurred in the village of Nakre, situated in the Tatin valley of Nuristan, overnight on Sunday, burying homes beneath layers of snow and debris. Approximately 20 houses in the vicinity were either completely destroyed or suffered severe damage. Maulvi Mohammad Nabi Adel, the head of public works in the province, highlighted the challenges faced in conducting rescue operations due to adverse weather conditions.
Adel noted that clouds and rain in Nuristan prevented helicopters from landing, and one of the main roads into the province was blocked by snow, further complicating rescue efforts. The situation underscores the immediate need for effective disaster response measures in the region.
Nuristan province, sharing a border with Pakistan, is predominantly characterized by mountainous forests and is located at the southern end of the Hindu Kush mountain range. This year witnessed a delayed onset of snowfall across much of Afghanistan, a country accustomed to harsh winters.
The scarcity of rain, essential for agriculture in a country heavily reliant on farming, has compelled many farmers to postpone their planting activities. Afghanistan, grappling with the repercussions of decades of war, stands as one of the world's poorest nations. The vulnerability of the country to natural disasters is exacerbated by its susceptibility to extreme weather events associated with climate change. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for both immediate relief efforts and long-term strategies to address the multifaceted challenges faced by Afghanistan.
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