Search Begins For Avalanche Survivors In Tajikistan

Russian TV has been showing video of the rescue operation in Tajikistan, where there is a rescue operation trying to reach the people that are trapped by an avalanche. The avalanche has killed at least 16 people.

The main highway linking Dushanbe, the capital of Tajikistan and the second city, Khudzhand was hit by the avalanche. There are many cars buried under the snow. But, it is unknown how many people are trapped in the avalanche. This road between Dushanbe and Khudzhand is used by the lorries that carry the goods from China to Tajikistan. It is very common for this road to get hit by avalanches. Usually, the road is closed off during the winter season. But, the road remained open this year due to the new Anzob tunnel that goes under a snow-covered pass. This part of Central Asia has come across very heavy snow storms recently. One driver had just returned from the border with China and explains that this road has become very dangerous to travel across. According to the government of Tajikistan, those that have been killed ignored the danger of possibly getting hit by the avalanches. However, BBC explains that the region is impoverished and depends on trade with China. Many drivers take the risk because of the economy.