A landslide in Eastern Afghanistan’s Nuristan province, caused by heavy snowfall on Sunday, February 18th, has resulted in at least 25 deaths, with eight others injured, officials reported on Monday.
The disaster management ministry’s spokesperson, Janan Sayeq, confirmed the casualties in a media statement. “25 people have died, and eight others have been injured due to the landslide.” Sayeq also informed AFP that the death toll might increase.
The village of Nakre in the Tetin valley was severely affected, with residential and infrastructural damage caused by a surge of mud, snow, and debris. Provincial officials said that the snowfall has complicated rescue efforts.
“Thick clouds and rain in the Tetin valley have made it impossible for relief helicopters to land immediately,” said Mohammad Nabi Adel, the head of public works in the province. He also said that a key road into the province is blocked by snow, “making the rescue operation difficult.”