Semalka border crossing closed due to snow

DERIK, Syria – The management of the Semalka border crossing between North and East Syria and Iraq announced the closure of the crossing until further notice because of the snowy precipitation in the region.

Othman Shirzad, Office Director of Media at the crossing said to North Press Agency that the crossing is closed to passenger traffic for an indefinite period because the roads leading to it are impassable as a result of the accumulation of snow.

The management could not provide a reopening date.

The Traffic Authority reported that the two roads leading to the were impassable due to the accumulation of snow and that, “one traffic accident was recorded since last night without affirming other damages.”

Traffic Authority also called on all drivers to be careful while driving for their safety.

The Emergency Committee in the municipality of Derik, near the crossing, is working on the removal of snow from the roads in order to facilitate vehicular and civilian passage.

North and East Syria has been affected by a cold snap since Sunday. The city of Derik, yesterday, witnessed an icy and snowy day, snow accumulating more than 15 cm in some areas.