KABUL: Rescue teams have finally reached the remote valley of Nakre in eastern Afghanistan, where a devastating landslide buried dozens of people under rubble, earth, and snow. The operation, delayed by snowfall and blocked roads, has faced significant challenges due to the mountainous terrain and massive fallen rocks.
Jamiullah Hashimi, the provincial information and culture head, expressed hope that the arrival of military equipment would accelerate the rescue efforts. However, he noted the formidable task ahead, emphasizing the enormity of the fallen rocks and the rugged landscape.
Images shared on social media show men laboring amidst towering boulders, using their hands to clear debris and unearth buried victims. Government officials, along with medical teams and aid organizations, have mobilized to provide assistance to the affected area.
25 Killed in Afghanistan Landslide
The disaster ministry’s spokesman, Janan Sayeq, confirmed the death toll at 25 people, with fears that the number could rise as rescue operations continue. Hashimi reported that 16 bodies have been recovered so far, with several more persons still missing and presumed dead.
In addition to the loss of life, approximately 10 people have sustained injuries, and around 20 houses have been damaged or destroyed by the landslide.
Nuristan province, bordering Pakistan and characterized by mountainous forests, is vulnerable to natural disasters like landslides and floods. Experts attribute the heightened risk in recent years to factors such as deforestation, drought, and the effects of climate change exacerbating environmental vulnerabilities across Afghanistan’s mountainous regions.
