Local officials in the northeastern province of Kunar on Tuesday said that efforts are underway to find four residents who were trapped in an avalanche in Dangam district.

At least ten persons died and nine others were injured when an avalanche hit Goriga village of Dangam district on Monday morning, officials said. Four men are still missing, they said. 

“Our mujahideen (Islamic Emirate’s forces) are in the area to find the ones who are missing. Some of them returned to their homes,” said Mohammad Qasem, Kunar governor.

At the same time, residents of Dangam district said the victims were busy working on their farms when it occurred. 

“My brother along with his six sons and one daughter were martyred in the incident. Another nephew died due to the avalanche,” said Obaidullah, a resident.

Natural disasters including avalanches and landslides present an ongoing threat to the lives of residents in Kunar province, but it is the first incident to hurt 23 people together, say locals.