JALALABAD - As many as 73 people have been killed and 27 others wounded by avalanches and freezing weather in eastern Nuristan province, the governor said on Tuesday.
Hafiz Abdul Qayum told Pajhwok Afghan News a relief team had reached Barg-i-Matal district on Monday -- a day after an avalanche buried an entire village in the town.
As of Monday afternoon, 63 bodies and 27 injured people were retrieved from the snow. There were 70 homes in the village, where 500 people lived. He said 400 people were still buried under the snow.
The governor said the 201st Selab Military Corps had delivered first aid to victims through aircraft on Monday morning. A rescue operation by a medical team is still ongoing.
Meanwhile, the governor said 10 people were killed and several others wounded in separate incidents in Mandol district.
Provincial council head Sadullah Payanda’s son confirmed the death toll provided by the governor. He asked for the delivery of more aid to the victims in addition to emergency assistance.
Selab Corps officials confirmed a relief and medicine-laden chopper had arrived in Barg-i-Matal. A statement from the army said a medical team had also been dispatched to the area. (Pajhwok)