KABUL:
An Afghan provincial official claimed the death toll from a massive avalanche in a valley near Kabul rose to 198 as bulldozers began clearing roads and rescue teams were able to reach remote villages that have been cut off for almost a week.
Najimudin Khan, deputy provincial police chief of Panjshir province (100 km from Kabul) said that as rescue workers dig through the snow, they are uncovering more bodies, including women and children.
Nationwide, the death toll from avalanches and flooding has risen to 247 people at least, the Afghanistan National Disaster Management Authority says.
Pakistan dispatched two planes of relief goods including essential food items, tents, blankets, and medicines for the people of Afghanistan on Sunday.
The assistance has been sent on the instructions of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif as a gesture of solidarity with Afghanistan, claimed a press release received in Kabul.
The essentials were received at Kabul Airport by Head of Shura-e-Panjsher, General Din Muhammad Jurat, and Director General of Afghan Disaster Management Authority, Dr. Muhammad Daim Kakar, along with senior government officials.
Pakistan’s Ambassador to Afghanistan was also present on the occasion; General Jurat and Dr. Kakar expressed gratitude on behalf of the government for Pakistan’s generous and timely support.
