Afghan avalanches kill at least 28, strand 100s

By RAHIM FAIEZ, Associated Press Writer Rahim Faiez, Associated Press Writer – 8 mins ago

Another 70 people were injured and transported to hospitals as the military and police continued rescue efforts to dig out those trapped in the snow, an Afghan Defense Ministry statement said. Some 1,500 people were rescued, it said.

Suhrab Ali Safari, acting public works minister, told The Associated Press in a phone interview from Salang a strong snowstorm overnight triggered a major avalanche that covered about 2 miles (3.5 kilometers) of road.

Safari said there was a series of smaller avalanches in the area in recent weeks, but Monday night brought a big snowstorm in which drivers had no visibility beyond 2 yards (2 meters).

"Everybody is trying to rescue the people who are stuck in the avalanche. But while we‘re clearing one part of the road, the storm covered another part of the road again. It‘s very difficult," he said.

Some 500 Afghan soldiers were mobilized to join police and others in the rescue efforts. The international coalition contributed four Chinook helicopters while the army sent two choppers, several ambulances and several bulldozers, the Afghan National Army announced.

Military helicopters were dropping food packages to people stuck on snow-blocked roads, Interior Ministry spokesman Zemerai Bashary said. Earlier, Afghan reports said some 300 cars and buses were trapped on the mountain pass.

He also expressed condolences to the families of the victims who were killed or injured.

Copyright © 2008 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.