Four killed in Afghanistan avalanche

Mexico Star (IANS) Sunday 5th February, 2012

At least four people were killed and six injured after an avalanche hit some villages in Afghanistan's Badakhshan province, Xinhua reported Sunday.

The incident occurred Saturday in the mountainous Arghistan district, 315 km northeast of capital city Kabul.

"Four people lost their lives and six others were injured as an avalanche hit some villages in Arghistan district yesterday," said Sanaullah Amiri, director of the Counter-Natural Disaster Department in Badakhshan province.

The snowfall in Arghistan and adjoining areas was over one metre high, he added.

Following heavy snowfall and cold weather, over 40 people have died in the province over the last few weeks.