Death toll from avalanches in Tajikistan rises to 17

69 avalanches recorded in Gorno-Badakhshan region since Thursday, blocking several roads and forcing thousands of residents to stay at home

By Elena Teslova

MOSCOW (AA) – The death toll from several avalanches in eastern Tajikistan has risen to 17, the country's Committee of Emergency Situations and Civil Defense (CESCD) said on Friday.

The CESCD said in a statement that 69 avalanches have been recorded in the Gorno-Badakhshan region since Thursday, blocking several roads and forcing thousands of residents to stay at home.

"On the morning of Feb. 17, 2023, the number of avalanche victims rose to 17 people: 16 people on the territory of GBAO (Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Oblast) and 1 on the Dushanbe-Varzob highway," the CESCD said.

According to local media, the avalanches also damaged 400 homes.

Tajik emergency services are operating at full capacity due to potential emergency situations, the CESCD statement said.

Avalanche danger will persist until Sunday, according to the statement, which cited meteorological reports.

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