Snow, rain block highways in provinces

KABUL (TOLOnews): The State Ministry for Disaster Management said rain and snowfall in 20 provinces have closed a number of highways to traffic, including in Bamiyan, Farah, and Sar-e-Pul provinces.
“The Kotal-e-Shato area in Bamiyan is temporarily closed to traffic. The route in Chaman district in Farah is closed to traffic as a result of snowfall,” said Hamidullah Misbah, a spokesman for the Ministry of Public Works.
Meanwhile, some farmers said that rains are crucial to decreasing drought and enhancing water resources.
“This year there was no water, there was drought, and all wheat fields dried up,” said Ajmal, a farmer.
Many people celebrated the second snowfall of the year. Kabul residents that snow will improve underground water resources and will reduce pollution in the city.
“I wish there is more snowfall so that the air will clear up,” said Assad, a resident of Kabul.
“We face water shortage. We hope the issue will be resolved,” said Rohullah, a resident of Kabul. “We came here with friends to have some fun,” said Tawab, a Kabul resident.
More than at any other time, the cold season brings more hardships to vulnerable families who spend the winter with fewer facilities in their access.