Heavy snowfall kills 15 people in Afghanistan

Widespread heavy snowfall in Afghanistan over the past three days has resulted in the tragic loss of at least 15 lives and injuries to nearly 30 individuals. Additionally, statistics obtained from the Balkh and Faryab provinces indicate a devastating impact on livestock, with nearly ten thousand animals perishing due to the recent snowfalls.

In response to the crisis, Afghanistan has announced the formation of a committee comprising various Ministries to address the damages, particularly to 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, highlighted the swift response of committees formed in all provinces. These committees are



actively working to open blocked roads, distribute food and fodder to affected communities, and rescue those stranded in the aftermath of the heavy snowfall.

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

The severe snowfall has resulted in the closure of key 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, confirmed the temporary blockage of these routes due to the heavy snowfall over the past two days.