Heavy snowfall claims 15 lives in Afghanistan

Over the past three days, heavy snowfall in multiple provinces has tragically resulted in the loss of 15 lives and injuries to nearly 30 individuals, as reported by TOLOnews.

Additionally, TOLOnews has gathered statistics from Balkh and Faryab provinces indicating a dire situation for livestock, with nearly ten thousand animals perishing due to the recent snowfalls.

Abdul Qadir, a resident of Sar-e-Pul, voiced the widespread anxiety among the population, stating, "The snow is continuous and extremely heavy, causing distress as livestock have suffered losses, roads are blocked, and movement is severely restricted."

Another resident, Amanullah, underscored the pressing need for government assistance, particularly for those impacted by road blockages and the plight of starving livestock.

Afghanistan has responded to the crisis by announcing the formation of a committee consisting of various ministries to address the damages, particularly focusing on assisting livestock owners. The authorities have allocated fifty million Afghanis to support livestock owners in the provinces of Balkh, Jawzjan, Badghis, Faryab, and Herat.

Misbahuddin Mustaeen, the Taliban-appointed spokesperson for the Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation, and Livestock, emphasized the prompt response of committees established in all provinces. These committees are actively engaged in tasks such as clearing blocked roads, distributing food and fodder to affected communities, and rescuing individuals stranded in the aftermath of heavy snowfall.

Erfanullah Sharafzoi, spokesperson for the Afghan Red Crescent Society, mentioned that winter service workers have already extended assistance in provinces such as Badghis, Ghor, Farah, Kandahar, Helmand, Jawzjan, and Nuristan, reaching out to individuals affected by the recent snowfalls.

The severe snowfall has resulted in the closure of vital transportation routes, including the Salang Pass and access to various provinces such as Ghor, Badghis, Ghazni, Herat, and Bamyan. Mohammad Ashraf Haqshenas, spokesperson for the Ministry of Public Works, has confirmed the temporary blockage of these routes due to heavy snowfall over the past two days.

Esmatullah Muradi, spokesperson for the provincial governor of Faryab, has reported that heavy snowfall in the province led to road closures in most districts, leaving residents in remote areas stranded. Regrettably, TOLOnews has confirmed one fatality in the Chahar Sada district, situated along the Turkmenistan border.