Afghan Avalanches Kill at Least 47 People

KABUL -- Officials in Afghanistan say at least 47 people have been killed from avalanches that struck two villages in the mountainous northeast of the country.

A spokesman in the Badakhshan Province governor's office said rescue operations have been launched to find survivors who may be trapped in the remote area following the avalanches on the morning of March 6.

The spokesman said helicopters from the Afghan National Army have been deployed to help rescuers.

Reports say the mountainous Badakhshan Province has seen heavy snowfalls and avalanches this winter, causing blocks on many roads and highways and leaving villages isolated.

With reporting by AP and dpa