Residents of Albadar district in Sar-e-Pul province in the north of the country said they are facing severe hardships due to roads being blocked by heavy snowfall for the past three weeks, hindering access to health services and essential supplies.
Locals report that the snow has trapped them in their district, resulting in the loss of livestock and making it impossible to bring in food from neighboring areas. Confirmed reports indicate that at least five people have died in Albadar district due to the cold and snow.
Naveed, a villager, shared a personal tragedy, saying his inability to access medical services in time led to the loss of his unborn child. “There is no doctor or midwife. My wife became ill, and without an ambulance, I lost my child. A doctor could have prevented this,” he explained.
The blocked roads have exacerbated residents’ needs for food, particularly during the month of Ramadan. Barat Ali, another resident, warned of potential disasters if the government does not intervene. “It’s been three to four weeks. We’re cut off from the world. Without government action, a catastrophe is imminent,” he stated.
Mohammad, echoing the sentiment, highlighted the impact on daily life, especially during Ramadan. “Food prices have skyrocketed. Shopping is impossible. Without someone addressing these issues, we face further calamities,” he said.
Albadar district, located about 90 km from the provincial center, has an estimated population of 50,000. According to Taliban sources, recent snowfalls have claimed at least 10 lives across the country.
