Around 250 people were feared dead following a landslide in northeastern Badakhshan province of Afghanistan.

According to local government officials, the incident took place in Argu district and dozens of others have been trapped under the rocks.

A local official in Badakhshan province said around around 250 people have been killed following the landslide while 200 houses and dozens of more people were trapped following the rockslide.

Provincial police chief, Fazluddin Ayar confirmed that over 250 people were trapped following a landslide in Aab Khoshk village.

Mr. Ayar further added that the incident took place around 12:00 pm local time and Afghan secuirty forces and rescue teams have been deployed to the area to assist the local residents.

This comes as deputy Afghan interior minister Gen. Ayub Salangi earlier said around 200 houses were affected following the rockslide.

Gen. Salangi had said preliminary reports suggest that the casualties due to the rockslide is around 200 people.