Death Toll in Avalanches Increase in Nuristan

Local officials in Nuristan province said that the number of people killed by avalanches has crossed 83. Hafiz Abdul Qayyom, governor of Nuristan, said that aid was being delivered by helicopter to the province yesterday. He added that a medical team of 201 Selab Corps reached the area this morning and rescuers are battling to reach survivors, who are still believed to be trapped beneath the snow. The governor further stated that the number of bodies removed from under the snow and rubble yesterday evening reached to 63 killed and 27 injured. A series of avalanches over the weekend destroyed dozens of homes and killed livestock, mostly in central and northern provinces. Avalanches are common in Afghanistan’s mountainous areas in winter, and rescue efforts are frequently hampered by lack of equipment.