Landslide kills 25 in Afghanistan after heavy snow
A landslide triggered by heavy snowfall claimed 25 lives in an Afghan village.
The disaster, occurring in Nuristan's eastern province, also injured eight people, with officials concerned that the fatality count could increase.
Challenging weather conditions are impeding rescue missions, as helicopters struggle to land and roadways are obstructed by snow. Rescuers on-site are left with basic tools like shovels and axes to search the debris.
Local official Jamiullah Hashimi reported ongoing snowfall complicates the reach for survivors in Nakre village, with advanced rescue equipment lacking.
The disaster management ministry's spokesperson, Janan Sayeq, confirmed the casualties and noted 15 to 20 houses were damaged or destroyed during the night.
Nuristan, a forested, mountainous region bordering Pakistan, is prone to natural disasters—exemplified by over 50 deaths from a 2017 avalanche and numerous fatalities from 2021 flash flooding.