KABUL: At least 37 people, including women and children, were killed and 20 houses were destroyed as an avalanche hit a village in Afghanistan, said head of provincial council Zabihullah Ateq Tuesday.
The incident, in which 20 houses were destroyed, occurred Monday night in the Badakhshan province, 315 km northeast of capital Kabul.
"The tragic incident happened in Detshi village of Shakai district last night and so far 37 people including women and children have been confirmed dead and four others injured," Xinhua quoted Ateq as saying.
He also said that the casualties could go up as rescue operation was being carried out.
Parts of Afghanistan have received heavy snowfall over the last one month.