Afghanistan mourns in wake of deadly avalanches

The Afghan nation is mourning in the wake of a series of deadly avalanches across the country. In a televised speech, President Ashraf Ghani called on all to pray for those who died or were injured. Ghani postponed his trip to neighboring Iran because of the big tragedy.

Avalanches affected around 19 cities here. But the worst hit one is Panshir. It is a small, remote and mountainous area. Rescue teams are digging in vast areas now in search of scores of people still missing there.

President Ghani promised to supply more food and medicine to survivors. He pledged to set up a relief fund for the victims and called for international help with the relief effort.

Such disasters are common in Afghanistan’s mountainous areas. Many villagers lose their lives in avalanches almost every year.

But northeastern provinces of Afghanistan, particularly Panshir valley, have not seen such avalanches for decades. Around 1250 houses have been destroyed across the region. People are leaving their homes because they cannot cope with that much snow. It is becoming very dangerous now.