On the night of February 5–6, seven avalanches of varying size occurred along the 78–81 km stretch of the Dushanbe–Chanak highway in the Ayni district, according to the Branch of the Innovative Road Solutions (IRS) in Tajikistan, which operates the toll on this 354-kilometer highway.
The company stated that the necessary road machinery has been deployed to clear the highway, with work being carried out around the clock.
The highway is temporarily closed to traffic, and drivers are urged to refrain from traveling on this route until an official announcement is made regarding the reopening of the road.
According to the Tajikistan Hydrometeorology Agency (Hydromet), heavy precipitation is expected in the districts subordinate to the center and the Khatlon region on February 6. In the valleys, rain and wet snow are predicted, while snow is expected in the foothills, mountainous, and high-altitude areas.
Heavy snowfalls are possible on mountain passes, which may cause difficulties or restrictions in traffic. Snowdrifts, fog, reduced visibility, and a high risk of avalanches are forecasted. In the valley-foothill and mountain regions, temperatures could drop by 10-12°C.
From February 6 to 9, avalanches are possible in hazardous zones along the highway, including the Dushanbe–Chanak route (km 48–74), sections of the Maikhoura–Zideh in the Varzob district, and mountainous areas subordinate to the center.
