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Landslide leaves 52 people dead in NE. Afghanistan

ISLAMABAD, April 28 (KUNA) -- Massive landslide left at least 52 people including women and children dead in Afghanistan's northeastern Badakhshan province, said officials on Tuesday.
District Chief Mohammad Ghufran Zaki told media that at least 52 people were recovered dead after a massive landslide roared through the Khawahan district of Badakhshan.
He said that a large number of families had already vacated homes due to a looming landslide that eventually struck the district burying all families who remained in their homes thinking they would be safe.
Afghanistan Natural Disaster Management Authority (ANDMA) chief for Afghanistan, Syed Abdullah Humayun Dehqan said that over a meter of snow had already accumulated in the area and the landslide struck when another 25 inches of snow fell.
He further said that heavy snow had blocked all roads leading to the district, disrupting relief activity, adding that the only way to reach the area was by air. Earlier last year, at least 350 people were killed in a similar disaster in Argu district of Badakhshan. (end) sbk