Nineteen killed by avalanches in Tajikistan

DUSHANBE. Feb 20 (Interfax) - Nineteen people have been killed by avalanches in Tajikistan, and a high risk of avalanches, mudslides, landslides and rockslides will persist until Tuesday, the Tajik Emergency Situations and Civil Defense Committee said on Monday.

According to the committee, 200 snow avalanches, seven landslides and six rockslides were recorded in Tajikistan on February 15-19.

"Avalanches killed 19 citizens over that period. Yesterday alone, the republic recorded nine snow avalanches. A high risk of avalanches, mudslides, landslides and rockslides will persist until February 21," it said.

Most of the victims, 16, were reported from Khorog, another two people were buried under an avalanche in the Vanj district of the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region, in addition to one in the Varzob district.

A state commission made up of government representatives and high-ranking officials of ministries and committees has been formed on the orders from President Emomali Rahmon to deal with the aftermath of the natural disaster.

The president tasked the commission with promptly mitigating the aftermath of the natural disaster, providing financial assistance of the government to the affected families, and delivering food, warm clothing and other everyday essentials.