Afghans in frantic search for avalanche survivors

Afghan rescuers are searching for dozens of people believed to be trapped under snow after a series of deadly avalanches north of the capital, Kabul.

Officials said at least 187 people had been killed and 129 injured after homes were deluged with snow.

Funerals for the victims, mostly from Panjshir province, have been delayed because of the snow.

The extreme weather came after a relatively dry and mild winter, and took locals by surprise.

Relatives of the missing helped in the rescue effort

Local officials said the avalanches were the worst in decades

Some 129 people were being treated for injuries

Although avalanches are quite common, this year's disaster is the most deadly in years.

Some 20 avalanches hit the Salang area in 2010, killing at least 165.

Acting provincial governor Abdul Rahman Kabiri said Panjshir had not seen avalanches on this level for three decades.

Civilians and rescue teams were having to battle through snow-blocked roads to try to reach remote areas.

Meanwhile, Afghan cricket officials dedicated their first ever world cup victory to the victims of the avalanches.