DUSHANBE, February 21, 2012, Asia-Plus  -- The Committee for Emergency Situations (CES) under the Government of Tajikistan has released an avalanche risk warning.

Orif Nozimov, a spokesman for the CES, says the committee advises drivers not to travel unnecessarily to Gorno Badakhshan, Sughd province and Rasht Valley (eastern Tajikistan) until February 23 because there is risk of further avalanches in these areas.

“Recent torrential rail and heavy snowfalls have caused a series of avalanches that blocked in several places the highways connected Dushanbe to the mentioned regions,” the spokesman said, noting that the risk of further avalanches in the areas remains high.

Specialists from the CES and special machines are currently working in the avalanche sites, Nozimov added.