Pajhwok Afghan News, December 29, 2007

Hundreds trapped in homes after rains, snowfall in Bamyan

Snow slides killed three people in the Panjab district this last spring. Eight perished in Takhar and two brothers died in similar incidents in Samangan this year.

BAMYAN CITY - Over 200 families have been trapped in the Loranj Valley of the Kuhmard district in central Bamyan province in the wake of heavy rain and snowfall, officials said on Wednesday.

Abdul Khaleq Zaliq, Kuhmard district chief who visited the governor's house to seek aid, told Pajhwok Afghan News the main road between the district and the provincial capital had been blocked for the last one month due to snow slides.

The district chief added the provision of basic food items to the residents had been impossible even through animals after the heavy snowfall. He continued the people demanded the immediate reopening of the roads to rescue the trapped families. In case of delay, he warned, there would be a big humanitarian disaster.

Zaliq pointed out he had contacted the Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT), which said it needed huge funds for the task. He said local officials of the Afghanistan National Disaster Management Authorities (ANDMA) were assessing requirements for the people trapped.

Muhammad Ishaq Poya, a provincial council and ANDMA member in Bamyan, said they were trying to open the road and help the people of Loranj as soon as possible. Poya continued similar problems were facing the Panjab district, where the Shah Toi Pass has been blocked by heavy snow.

Snow slides killed three people in the Panjab district this last spring. Eight perished in Takhar and two brothers died in similar incidents in Samangan this year.

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