Severe weather conditions hit Afghanistan and Iran
Afghanistan, Iran and a number of other central Asian countries have been hit by a severe cold snap over the last few days, resulting in around 50 deaths. Overnight temperatures in Kazakhstan have plummeted to -25C (-13F) in some places, with Uzbekistan experiencing its lowest temperatures for almost 40 years.
Heavy snow has covered a number of Afghan provinces and has been blamed for many avalanches which have taken place over the weekend. The snow has blocked roads and prevented the transport of vital food and supplies. More than 15,000 animals have perished in the cold weather, which has brought snow to parts of neighbouring Iran for the first time in living memory.
The Iranian president made a visit to the north of the country, where the cold weather has caused a number of unprecedented gas shortages. Although the snow has eased somewhat over the last day, forecasters expect further snow flurries over the coming days.
