KABUL, Afghanistan — Heavy snowfall has blocked key roads in six provinces in central and northern Afghanistan, disrupting travel and isolating communities, the Taliban-led Ministry of Public Works said on Monday.
Mohammad Ashraf Haqshenas, Taliban spokesman for the ministry, said that major routes in Maidan Wardak, Bamiyan, Ghor, Daikundi, Sar-e Pul, and Faryab provinces have been temporarily closed due to severe weather conditions.
According to him, snowfall has shut down several key passes in Bamiyan, including Punjab-Abqol Kerman, Shato Pass, Qonakh Pass, Punjab Siyah Valley, Pol Bandshoy, and Haji Gak Pass.
In Ghor province, Band-e Bakkak, Band-e Lal Bayan, Kerman, Band-e Talkhak, and Band-e Ghowk have also been blocked, while in Daikundi, roads connecting Nili to Qonakh, Khadir, Kiti, Ashtar, and Sangtakht are impassable.
Additionally, the ministry reported that roads leading to Alburz district in Sar-e Pul and Jaghali in Faryab have been closed due to heavy snowfall.
The Salang Pass, a crucial route linking northern Afghanistan to Kabul, has also been shut down since Sunday evening due to extreme weather conditions.
Central and northern provinces have seen significant snowfall over the past 24 hours, with residents reporting major disruptions in transportation and access to essential services.
