Afghanistan: Several killed, dozens trapped as avalanche hits Nuristan province

Following widespread widespread snowfall, a provincial official in the eastern Afghan province of Nuristan said on Monday that an avalanche had killed at least six people and trapped thirty more.

“It is still snowing. Rescue efforts are under way and the number of dead may increase,” provincial head of information and culture Jamiullah Hashimi told AFP.

Overnight on Sunday, an avalanche raced through the village of Nakre in the Tatin valley of Nuristan, covering houses in debris and snow.

Hashimi said that about 20 residences were completely demolished or severely damaged.

The province of Nuristan, which shares a border with Pakistan, hugs the southern edge of the Hindu Kush mountain range and is primarily covered with forested mountains.

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Although Afghanistan is used to severe winters, this year’s snowfall was delayed in several areas.

Many farmers in a nation strongly dependent on agriculture have been forced to postpone planting due to the abnormally low level of rain.

Afghanistan is among the poorest nations on earth; it has seen decades of conflict, is prone to natural disasters, and is at risk from extreme weather brought on by climate change.