ISTANBUL 

At least 60 people lost their lives due to freezing temperatures in Afghanistan over the past more than three weeks, Tolo news reported.

According to Janan Saiq, spokesman of Natural Disaster Management Ministry, the victims died from cold weather due to heavy snowfall and rain.

As many as 34 others were also injured, while over 1,600 houses were destroyed during this period, he added.

The heavy snowfall and snow storms also blocked several roads in the country.

Ashraf Haqshenas, spokesman for Public Works Ministry, said Salang Pass and several routes in the provinces of Bamiyan, Ghor, Sar-e Pol, Nuristan, and Farah were blocked.

The war-torn nation has witnessed several floods, earthquakes and droughts over the past few years, worsening the already poor state of infrastructure.