Avalanches caused by a heavy winter snow killed at least 124 people in northeastern Afghanistan, an emergency official said today, as rescuers clawed through debris with their hands to save those buried beneath
Kabul: The toll has risen to more than 120 while several others were still missing in avalanches that struck villages in eastern Afghan province of Panjshir overnight Tuesday and early Wednesday, police said.
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"The latest figures showed that 120 people died and two dozen of others wounded as a result of heavy snow avalanche in Paryan, Dara, Khinj and Malaspa villages in Panjshir province overnight Tuesday and early Wednesday," Gen. Abdul Aziz Ghairat told Xinhua.
The number of casualties of the disaster may rise further, he said.
Unknown number of villagers were still missing. Police and rescue teams failed to reach all affected areas due to heavy snowfall, the source added.
The mountainous province with Bazarak as its capital is located 200 km north of the Afghan capital of Kabul.
Parts of Afghanistan have seen heavy snowfall over the past weeks, with snow affecting some main roads and mountain passes.
According to an earlier report, at least 29 people were killed and several others were missing in the avalanches.
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