The death toll in avalanches in northern Afghanistan has risen to at least 160, with more than 80 people injured.

Rescue workers are still busy digging out frozen bodies. Afghan soldiers and international troops are taking part in the operation. The avalanches occurred on Monday after heavy snowfall in the Salang pass.

The avalanches have covered a three-and-a-half kilometre stretch of motorway including the vital Salang tunnel. The Afghan defence minister says about 3,000 motorists are stranded on the mountain pass. The Salang pass in the Hindu Kush mountains links the capital Kabul with the north of Afghanistan.