A landslide triggered by heavy snowfall has wreaked havoc in the eastern Afghan province of Nuristan, leaving a trail of destruction and loss. According to a spokesman for the disaster management ministry, the landslide, which occurred overnight on Sunday in the village of Nakre, Tatin valley, has claimed the lives of at least 25 people, with eight others sustaining injuries.
“Earth, snow, and rubble swept through the village of Nakre,” said spokesman Janan Sayeq in a video clip shared with media outlets, highlighting the grim aftermath of the natural disaster.
Rescue efforts have been hampered by adverse weather conditions, with snow blocking access to the affected areas. Mohammad Nabi Adel, the head of public works in the province, lamented the challenges faced by rescue teams, noting that helicopters were unable to land due to clouds and rain. Additionally, one of the main roads into the province has been blocked by snow, further complicating the rescue operation.
Jamiullah Hashimi, the provincial head of information and culture, expressed concerns over the ongoing snowfall, stating that the number of casualties might escalate as rescue efforts continue. Approximately 20 houses have been destroyed or severely damaged, adding to the magnitude of the tragedy.
The recent landslide underscores the vulnerability of Afghanistan to natural disasters, exacerbated by its precarious socio-political situation and susceptibility to climate change. Despite being accustomed to harsh winters, the delayed arrival of snow this year has caught many by surprise, with officials noting a significant decrease in snowfall compared to previous years.
The dire situation is compounded by Afghanistan’s prolonged drought, forcing farmers to postpone planting and exacerbating the country’s already dire economic situation. Afghanistan, already one of the world’s poorest nations, continues to grapple with the aftermath of decades of conflict, further exacerbated by the recent withdrawal of international aid following the Taliban’s return to power in mid-2021.
As the nation mourns the loss of lives in Nuristan, the tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for international assistance to address the pressing humanitarian and environmental challenges facing Afghanistan.
