The death toll from three days of heavy snow across Afghanistan rose to 54 on Sunday, 5 February 2017, and there were fears the toll could rise as rescuers began clearing roads to remote areas. Severe weather hits Pakistan every year, with avalanches in winter and flash floods in summer disrupting lives. Photo: AFP

5 February 2017 (AFP) – The death toll from three days of heavy snow across Afghanistan rose to 54 on Sunday and there were fears the toll could rise as rescuers began clearing roads to remote areas. Avalanches destroyed scores of homes and blocked roads in central and northeastern provinces, a spokesman for the ministry of natural disasters told AFP. “So far, 54 persons have lost their lives and 52 were injured as a result of avalanches and freezing weather in 22 provinces,” said Mohammad Omar Mohammadi. He said 168 houses were destroyed and 340 cattle killed. Authorities fear the toll may rise sharply because rescue crews have yet to reach some of the worst-hit areas. [more]

Days of heavy snow kill 54 in Afghanistan