The Hydrometeorology (Hydromel) of Tajikistan says the risk of avalanches in the mountain areas of the country, including the Dushanbe-Khujand-Chanak highway, remains high.

Hidromet notes that avalanches may occur in the mountain areas during the period from January 12 to January 16. 

The Emergencies Committee under the Government of Tajikistan advises people not to travel to mountain areas unnecessarily.

The Emergencies Committee also appeals to drivers planning trips along the mountain routes with a request to collect in advance complete information about conditions of roads at the Emergencies Committee, the Interior Ministry and the Transport Ministry.  

Mountains cover 93 percent of Tajikistan’s territory, and avalanches and mudslides kill dozens of people every year.