DUSHANBE, February 26, Asia-Plus — Warmer temperatures have increased the risk of further avalanches in Tajikistan, where dozens of snow-slides have occurred over the past several days. An avalanche killed two teenagers in the Kaboudjar area, Nourobod district in Rasht Valley on Sunday, according to the Committee for Emergencies Situations (CES).
The tragedy took place in the area near the Sangi Surkh village in the Nourobod district, some 120 kilometers east of Dushanbe. The avalanche that occurred after several days of heavy snowfall killed the Fayzali brothers – the 16-year-old Shubatullo and the 13-year-old Saidjaffar.
Their bodies have already been extracted from under the snow and the Committee has provided food assistance to their family, the source at a CES said.
While most roads are open, the CES advises people, especially residents of rural areas, not to travel unnecessary, the source said.
Tajikistan has witnessed dozens of avalanches over the past ten days. Some 30 avalanches were reported in Sughd’s Ayni and Shahriston districts alone. Since the beginning of the year, ten people have been killed in avalanches in the mountains of Tajikistan.
According to specialists, the weather is not very cold and the sun is shining in most places; this makes snow heavier and increases the risk of avalanches.
