KABUL (Anadolu/Xinhua) – At least 24 people died, some of whom were found frozen to death, in various parts of poverty-stricken Afghanistan, where extreme cold weather conditions, combined with a lack of resources to heat their homes, took their toll on ordinary men.
Parts of Afghanistan including the capital city Kabul have been experiencing an unprecedentedly chilly and freezing winter, as in many parts of the war-ravaged country the temperature fell down to minus 30 degrees Celsius.
At least 24 people have died as a result of the freezing cold that has gripped the country in recent days, particularly in the country’s northern regions, Anadolu Agency quoted local Tolo news on Monday.
According to the media outlet, four children were among five who died in northwestern Badgis province, while four drug addicts living on the streets in western Herat, five people in southeastern Khost province, and 10 in northern provinces, died.
“Four children and a man lost their lives due to heavy snowfall and freezing weather in Qadis district of Badghis province recently,” provincial administration spokesman Ahmad Jan Hanzala told reporters on Monday.
These people died as a result of extremely cold weather, associated ailments, and incidents.
Hundreds of people have been taken to hospitals with hypothermia, while thousands of animals have died in the chilly weather.
A big number of low-income Afghans are unable to afford wood and coal in the winter due to their economic difficulties.
Transportation issues caused by inclement weather, particularly in winter, make it difficult for humanitarian agencies to deliver aid to people in need.