KABUL: An Afghan provincial official says that the death toll from a massive avalanche in a mountainous valley near the capital Kabul rose to 198 as bulldozers and other machinery began clearing roads and rescue teams were able to reach remote villages that have been cut off for almost a week.

Najimudin Khan, deputy provincial police chief of Panjshir province, 100 kilometers from Kabul said Sunday that as rescue workers dig through the snow, they are uncovering more bodies, including women and children.

Read: Over 100 die in Afghanistan avalanches

At least four army helicopters are dropping hot food to cut-off villages, he says, the first food for many since the disaster last week.

Nationwide, the death toll from avalanches and flooding rose to at least 247 people, the Afghanistan National Disaster Management Authority says.

Pakistan donates relief goods for avalanches-hit Afghan people

Pakistan on Sunday dispatched two planeload of emergency relief goods for the people of Afghanistan affected by avalanches.

The relief assistance has been sent on the instructions of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif as a token gesture of solidarity with the people of Afghanistan, said a press release received here.

Also read: Pakistan sends relief goods to avalanche-hit Afghanistan

The relief assistance consisting of essential food items, tents, blankets, and medicines were received at Kabul Airport by Head of Shura-e-Panjsher, General Din Muhammad Jurat, and Director General of Afghan Disaster Management Authority, Dr. Muhammad Daim Kakar, along with senior government officials.

Pakistan's Ambassador to Afghanistan was also present.

Speaking on the occasion, General Jurat and Dr. Kakar expressed profound gratitude on behalf of the government and the people of Afghanistan for Pakistan's generous and timely support.