Persistent heavy rain this month has created a deadly situation across themountainous nation of Tajikstan. Numerous mudslides and avalanches have claimedthe lives of 18 people, seven of which are identified as children.Unusually heavy rain has helped to melt snowpacks and loosen dirt onmountainsides. This creates a river of water, clay, and rocks that bombardsvillages throughout the tiny nation.
While mudslides this time of the year aren't rare, these recent events havebeen unusually strong.
Two hundred buildings in Khatlon Province were damaged just Thursday frompowerful mudslides created by recent heavy rain. Many are still under a pile ofmud and clay. Hospitals, agricultural fields, and homes have been destroyed,and more damage is expected. Even the nation's capital, Dushanbe, has had itsshare of mudslides this season.
The situation is so dire, the nation's government has evacuated families inareas prone to the disasters.
Drier weather is expected at least through this weekend. This will givesaturated areas time to dry before heavy rain moves in again early next week.
Story by AccuWeather.com Meteorologist Eric Reese
