DUSHANBE, December 4, 2009, Asia-Plus  -- A number of powerful avalanches have hit the area near the Anzob Tunnel, some 12-kilometer section of the highway from Dushanbe to Khujand, from 62nd to 74th kilometer, blocking the highway, according to the Ministry of Transport and Communication (MoTC).

The source at a MoTC said that more than 20 avalanches occurred in that area from Thursday evening until Friday morning, trapping some 150 vehicles.  “Four snow-removing machines are currently working in the area and the highway is expected to be cleared of snow already today evening,” he said.

In the meantime, a driver, who introduced himself as Karim, told Asia-Plus today afternoon that some 300 vehicles have got stuck near the Anzob Tunnel.  “Among passengers there are elderly people, women and children,” he said.