Avalanches have killed about 108 people in Afghanistan, officials said Wednesday, adding that the death toll was likely to rise as dozens more are believed to be buried under snow. According to dpa, the avalanches occurred after two days of heavy snowfall in the north-eastern province of Panjsher, officials said. "About 100 homes have been buried under the snow," said Mohammad Aslam Sayas of the Afghan National Disaster Management Authority. The avalanches took place in Pariyan, Darah, Bazarak and Hesa-e-Awal areas of the mountainous province. Abdul Aziz Ghairat, the provincial police chief, who is in the area to help the victims, said four to five villages had been affected. "We are trying to find them, but we lack machines and other equipment to bring them out," Ghairat said. Provincial governor Abdul Rahman Kabiri said roads to several villages had been blocked by snow. "It is difficult for the rescue teams to reach the areas soon, and I'm afraid more people will die before the teams arrive."
