More than 100 dead after tragic avalanche cycle on the Afghanistan/Pakistan border

Over the past week, tragedy has struck the mountainous border between Afghanistan and Pakistan, where avalanches caused by heavy snowfall have lead to the deaths of more than 100 people and have buried two entire villages.

CNN reports that the avalanches occurring on Sunday, February 5, primarily claimed the lives of women and children who were residing in the provinces of eastern Nuristan, northern Parwan, Sar-e-Pul, Badakhshan and eastern Wardak in Afghanistan, and in the Garam Chashma area of Pakistan.

Chitral scouts work to access communities in Chitral, Pakistan affected by the slides. [Photo] Courtesy CNN

Chitral scouts work to access communities in Chitral, Pakistan impacted by avalanches. [Photo] Courtesy CNN

The number of fatalities CNN has listed as of Monday morning is 119, with many more injured. Omar Mohammadi, spokesman for the Afghan state minister for disaster management and humanitarian affairs, told the press that the damage to homes and livestock has also been extensive.

“More than 150 homes have been destroyed by the avalanches and that 50 others were heavily damaged. The avalanches, which came after heavy snowfall, have also killed an estimated 550 animals and destroyed more than 1,000 hectares (2,500 acres) of farmland, Mohammadi said,” reports ABC News.

Sheena Ayub Khan, spokesperson for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province’s disaster management told CNN that evacuation procedures are in motion.

But with another round of storms forecasted for the region, it is unclear whether this avalanche cycle will continue and how more snow may affect the recovery efforts underway. Our thoughts are with those impacted by this event.

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