Heavy snowfall and freezing temperatures in mountainous areas have increased the risk of avalanches and rockfalls as well icing of highways, pedestrian roads and mountain paths.

According to data from the Emergencies Committee under the Government of Tajikistan, a man died in Roshtqala district of the Gorno Badakhshan Autonomous Region (GBAO) on January 23 after slipping on an icy mountain path.

The tragedy happened Monday evening, when a 36-year-old resident of Bidiz village was collecting firewood.  He slipped on an icy path and hit his head on the ice.  The man reportedly died on the spot from his injuries.

Besides, a rockfall happened in the territory of Visiv (phonetically spelled) village in Bartang jamoat of GBAO’s Rushan district on the morning of January 23.  The rockfall damaged three residential buildings in the village.  No injured was reported, according to the Emergencies Committee.

Representatives of local emergency management agency are reportedly working in the area to assess the damage caused to the village by the rockfall.