At least eight people were killed Sunday night when avalanches hit Shahr-e-Bozorg district of Badakhshan province, local officials said on Monday.

The incident took place in Shakhya Par village of the Shahr-e-Bozorg district and injured eight other villagers, officials said.

The avalanches took place after the province experienced heavy snow falls on the 10th of March 2017.

“Badakhshan is a mountainous province and has a rough natural environment. The province has endured many natural disasters and, unfortunately, as the result of avalanches yesterday eight of our citizens were killed and eight others were injured,” said Ahmad Faisal Begzada provincial governor.

Begzad said, based on initial reports, four of the injured people were freed after treatment. Aid groups have been sent to the area to help the people.

Badakhshan’s provincial council confirmed the incident and said four injured people are in a critical condition and warned if they did not receive emergency aid, they could lose their lives.

“Eight villagers killed and eight others were wounded as the result of avalanches in Shahr-e-Bozorg district. Four of the wounded are in comas. We plead with the government and the natural disaster management authority to provide aid for the victim families on time. So far, no help has been received nor have we had any information that people in the area will receive help,” said Ahmad Jawed Jawed provincial council member.

“There is no doubt that Badakhshan is one of most vulnerable provinces due to natural disaster. Unfortunately, accountability is very weak in Badakhshan. The Government must have a long-term strategy to move people living in vulnerable places to safe areas,” said Nik Mohammad Nazari a civil society activist in Badakhshan.

In recent avalanches during the current winter at least 40 people have died more than 40 others were injured. Hundreds of houses have been damaged and 14 district roads will be closed till June.