Avalanche kills more than 120 in Afghanistan

Relatives of avalanche victims return after conducting a search for the victims in Panjshir province, February 25, 2015. [Photo/Agencies]

BAZARAK -- The death toll has risen to more than 120 while several of others still missing after avalanches struck villages in eastern Afghan province of Panjshir, police said on Wednesday.

"The latest figures showed that 120 people died and two dozen of others wounded as a result of heavy snow avalanche in Paryan, Dara, Khinj and Malaspa villages in Panjshir province overnight Tuesday and early Wednesday," General Abdul Aziz Ghairat told Xinhua.

The number of casualties of the disaster may rise further, he said.

Unknown number of villagers are still missing. Police and rescue teams failed to reach all affected areas due to heavy snowfall, the source added.

The mountainous province with Bazarak as its capital is located 200 km north of the Afghan capital of Kabul.

Parts of Afghanistan have seen heavy snowfall over the past weeks, with snow affecting some main roads and mountain passes.