Severe Weather Disrupts Key Highways; Salang and Kabul–Jalalabad Routes

Remain Closed Several major highways across the country remain affected by heavy snowfall, intense rainfall, and natural disasters, causing significant travel disruptions, while some routes have recently reopened. According to Mohammad Ashraf Haqshenas, the Salang Highway remains closed due to continuous snowfall, severe storms, and a high risk of avalanches, with no traffic currently allowed. Meanwhile, the Kabul–Jalalabad highway is still blocked following repeated landslides, creating serious challenges for travel between Kabul and the eastern provinces. In contrast, the Kabul–Kandahar highway, which had been closed the previous night due to heavy rainfall and flooding in Shahr-e Safa district of Zabul province, has now been reopened after clearance operations carried out by the Ministry of Public Works. At the same time, local sources report that parts of the Kandahar–Herat highway, particularly in areas of Shindand district, remain problematic and at risk of closure. The Ministry of Public Works has urged citizens to avoid traveling on blocked routes and to check road conditions before setting out. Recent natural disasters, including heavy snowfall and flooding, have also resulted in significant casualties and damage across the country.