DUSHANBE, November 30, Asia-Plus - Recent heavy snowfalls caused an avalanche on the Shahriston pass, dumping up to 50 centimeters of snow in some areas of the highway from Dushanbe to Khujand, according to the Ministry of Transport (MoT).  Traffic via the pass has been suspended.  

A source at a MoT said that specialists from the highways services of Shahriston and Ayni districts are currently working on clearing the pass of snow.  “But the work is going on slowly because there is a risk of further avalanches in the area,” the source said.  

The Shahriston pass links the Sughd capital Khujand to three districts in Zarafshon Valley – Panjakent, Ayni and Kuhistoni Mastchoh. 

The Ministry of Emergency Situations (MES) said that according to the preliminary data, dozens of vehicles have been trapped by the avalanche.  No injured was reported, according to the source.