[h=2]Afghanistan Landslide Kills 350; More Than 2,000 Missing
[h=6]By
Kristen Rodman, AccuWeather.com Staff Writer [h=5]May 02, 2014; 2:25 PM
More Sharing ServicesShare |
Share on facebook Share on twitter Share on linkedin
See larger image below.
At least 350 people are dead after a massive landslide occurred in northeastern Afghanistan on Friday, May 2, 2014.
The landslide engulfed the remote Afghani town of Hobo Barik in the Badakhshan province of the country, enclosed between the Hindu Kush and Pamir mountain ranges, on Friday afternoon, burying more than 300 homes in the area and leaving more than 2,000 people unaccounted for, according to the
Associated Press.
"There have been heavy showers and storms in the area over the last few days," AccuWeather Meteorologist Dave Samuhel said.
Following the slide, nearby towns were evacuated in case of another landslide.
Afghans search for survivors after a massive landslide buried a village Friday, May 2, 2014, in Badakhshan province, northeastern Afghanistan, which Afghan and U.N. officials say left hundreds of dead and missing missing. (AP Photo/Ahmad Zubair)
Aside from the area's rugged and mountainous terrain, more wet weather may hinder search-and-rescue efforts.
"Showers and thunderstorms will be a daily occurrence across the Badakhshan province into next week," Samuhel said. "The region's wettest weather is usually in April and May."
RELATED:
Detailed Afghanistan Weather
AccuWeather Severe Weather Center
Landslides: Where and Why They Occur
The United Nations Assistance Mission in the country and authorities already on the ground in the region are working together to try and rescue those still entrapped.
However, lack of equipment is halting some rescue crews, according to the
Associated Press.
Have questions, comments, or a story to share? Email Kristen Rodman at Kristen.Rodman@accuweather.com, follow her on Twitter @Accu_Kristen or Google+. Follow us @breakingweather, or on Facebook and Google+.