DUSHANBE, February 10, 2011, Asia-Plus -- A series of avalanches have poured down on a stretch of the Dushanbe-Khujand highway in the Maikhoura area, Varzob district over the past two days, paralyzing traffic, according to the Committee for Emergency Situations (CES).

The CES spokesman Dustmurod Zabirov says 35 vehicles, mostly trucks, got trapped in the avalanches.  “No injured has been reported,” said Zabirov, “The avalanche trapped drivers and their passengers have been placed in special galleries and provided with all necessary things.”  Women and children have already been evacuated from the avalanche site.  

The avalanches occurred after several days of heavy snowfall.  According to Zabirov, storms dumped up to 50 centimeters of snow in the area.  “Two bulldozers are working in the area to clear the road,” the spokesman said, noting that the road is expected to be cleared of snow by evening and traffic will resume.

However, warmer temperatures have increased the risk of further avalanches, and therefore, people are advised to avoid unnecessary travels within the next few days, Zabirov said.