Death toll from avalanches in Tajikistan rises to 17

The Tajik Committee of Emergency Situations and Civil Defence (CESCD) has said that the death toll from several avalanches in eastern Tajikistan has risen to 17.

The CESCD said in a statement that 69 avalanches have been recorded in the Gorno-Badakhshan region since February 16, blocking several roads and forcing thousands of residents to stay at home, according to Anadolu Agency.

"On the morning of February 17, 2023, the number of avalanche victims rose to 17 people: 16 people on the territory of GBAO (Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Oblast) and one 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 February 19, according to the statement, which cited meteorological reports.