Panjshir landslide kills at least 10, search for survivors under way

AFP

PANJSHIR -- Rescue efforts were under way for survivors of a landslide in Panjshir Province Thursday (July 12) that officials said had killed at least 10 residents and destroyed hundreds of buildings.

Melting snow in the mountains of Panjshir, a province known for its snowcapped peaks, flooded a lake, sending water and mud cascading over villages below, the disaster management ministry and local officials said.

The torrent of water and mud caused the Panjshir River, which snakes through the valley, to burst its banks.

At least 10 villages were "badly affected" with hundreds of homes, shops and cars destroyed, the Panjshir governor's office said in a statement.

Omar Mohammadi, a spokesman for the Office of State Minister for Disaster Management, told AFP that 10 Afghans had been confirmed dead.

Villagers using shovels and other tools were searching for survivors in the debris, Mohammadi said.

Mohammad Qasim Haidari, deputy director for Office of State Minister for Disaster Management, said search and rescue teams were in the area and that packages of food, water, blankets and tents were being sent to the displaced villagers.

About 10 locals were missing, Haidari said.

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In addition to the human and material losses caused by these disasters to the people of Panjshir, marine lives have also suffered heavy losses.

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