Heavy Snow, Avalanches Strike Afghanistan

In 2010, more than 150 people were killed by slides in Salang Pass, which links Kabul to the north.

The high, rugged Hindu Kush Mountains rise north and northeast of Kabul, Afghanistan (Google Maps)

(STATE COLLEGE, Pa.) - Heavy snow and snow slides have killed at least 28 people in the mountainous northeast of Afghanistan.

The deaths, along with 45 injuries, were suffered in Badakhshan province, the AFP said on Thursday.

People have been trapped in their homes by up to three meters (about 10 feet) of snow. Roads have been cut, restricting access by rescuers.

The report also told of 600 head of cattle killed.

Local authorities also feared that the toll would rise. "This is not the final toll, the fatalities may increase in the coming days," a governor's spokesman said.

The provincial death toll was already above that of 2011, when 20 people were killed by snow and avalanche.

Heavy snow and snow slides kill scores of people each winter, the AFP said. In 2010, more than 150 people were killed by slides in Salang Pass, which links Kabul to the north.

Weather data accessed by AccuWeather.com showed substantial rain and snow in the western Himalaya region of northern Pakistan and India between the 14th and 16th of this month.

More snow, some heavy, will fall in the mountains and high valleys of Afghanistan between Saturday and Monday, potentially bringing further hardship to area residents.

Jim Andrews is a Senior Meteorologist with Accuweather.com
www.accuweather.com/en/weather-news/heavy-snow-avalanches-strike-a/60462