10 dead in Afghan floods, hundreds rescued from snowstorm: gov't

KABUL, March 19 (Xinhua) -- At least 10 People died following flash floods in western Afghanistan while local officials have rescued more than 400 People trapped by a heavy snowstorm in central region, authorities said Tuesday.

At least 10 People were killed in flash floods in surrounding areas of Zinda Jan, Robat Sangi districts of western Herat province as well as on the outskirts of provincial capital Herat city late Monday and overnight, a local official told Xinhua.

Thousands acres of agricultural land and hundreds of houses were also damaged, the official said, adding further details will be shared with media later in the day.

In central Bamiyan province, rescue teams and local villagers rescued more than 400 People on-board 150 vehicles, stuck by heavy snowfall and severe storm along the Shato Pass late Monday, Office of Afghan State Minister for Disaster Management and Humanitarian Affairs said in a statement.

"The rescued People were safely transferred to the Yakawlang district center, western of Bamiyan city. The area residents also spared no effort to help the team rescue passengers including women and children, from the critical natural disaster," the statement read.

More than 60 People have earlier died and over 180 others injured as heavy snow and flooding swept away homes in Afghan regions within the past weeks.