Humanitarian Coordinator Extends Condolences to Avalanche Victims

(Kabul, 6 February 2017): The UN Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Humanitarian Coordinator for Afghanistan, Mr. Mark Bowden, was saddened to learn of the loss of life and widespread damage to property in Barg-e-Matal in Nuristan province due to an avalanche.

“On behalf of the UN humanitarian agencies, I wish to extend our condolences to all those families who have lost loved ones as a result of this avalanche,” Mr. Bowden said. “I commend the efforts of the Afghan government that has quickly mobilised to respond to the disaster.”

At least 50 people were reported as killed, with a further 13 injured from an avalanche in Nuristan which occurred in the early hours of 5 February. Further casualties from other avalanches and heavy snowfall were also reported in other areas around Afghanistan, including a reported 10 killed and 12 injured in Darwaz Bala, Badakhshan province.

The Afghanistan National Disaster Management Authority (ANDMA) is leading the coordination of the operational response to the Nuristan avalanche and other natural disasters that have occurred. With some areas difficult to access, it may take some time until a clear picture of the full extent of the damage is known.

“The UN system stands ready to fully support the Afghan government in responding to the disaster,” said Mr. Bowden.

For further information, please contact: Danielle Moylan, OCHA Afghanistan Public Information Officer,
Telephone: (+93) 0793001110 or Email: moylan@un.org