Work is underway to clear and reopen blocked roads in a number of provinces of the country

Afghan Voice Agency (AVA) - Kabul: Mohammad Ashraf Haqshenas, spokesman for the Ministry of Public Works of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, said in an interview with AVA that the Salang Highway has been temporarily closed to all passenger and cargo vehicles since 19:10 last night due to heavy snowfall, storms and limited visibility to prevent loss of life and property to citizens.

 

According to Haqshenas, the Salang protection and monitoring teams are ready to resume operations, clear snow-covered areas, and reopen the route as weather conditions improve and the storm subsides.

 

Haqshenas also reported on the situation in other provinces of the country and said: Snowfall continues in Maidan Wardak province and the Maidan Wardak-Bamyan road in Behsud district of this province has been temporarily closed to traffic due to heavy snowfall.

 

According to the spokesperson of the Ministry of Public Works, snowfall and rain continue in Bamyan and the roads of Punjab - Abakal, Kerman, Shato, Kotal, Qonaq, Punjab road, Siah Dara - Pul Bandshoi, Kotal Haji Gag and Band Bakk in this province have been temporarily closed to traffic due to heavy snowfall.

 

According to Haqshenas, snowfall continues in Ghor province and the roads of Band Bakk, Bayan Lal and Kerman, and Band Talkhak in this province have been temporarily closed to traffic due to heavy snowfall.

 

According to Haghshenas, the weather conditions in Daikundi province are also not good, and the Nili-Qanaq, Nili-Khadir, Nili-Kati, Nili-Ashtarli, and Nili-Sang Takht roads in this province have been temporarily closed to traffic due to snow and strong winds.

 

Also, a public transportation road in Sar-e-Pul province and Sark Jaghl in Kohistanat district of Faryab province have been temporarily closed to traffic due to heavy snowfall, and public utility departments in these provinces are working to clear and reopen these routes.

 

Haghshenas assured that teams from public utility departments and contracting companies in these provinces are fully prepared to clear snow and open highways.

 

He also concluded by stating that the Ministry of Public Works requests all citizens and drivers to inflate their vehicle tires when traveling on these highways and roads, carry warm winter clothing and necessary food, observe traffic laws, pay attention to the instructions of officials, and strictly refrain from unnecessary overtaking.