The death toll in the avalanche tirggered by heave snowfalls in Afghanistan has risen to more than 200 people, officials said on Thursday.Talking to French Press Agency (AFP), Acting Governor Abdul Rahman Kabiri reportedly said that the avalanches in the northeastern Panjshir Valley also destroyed more than 100 homes and blocked main roads, making it difficult for rescuers to reach the stricken villages. He added that if the central government and non-governmental organizations do not act quickly in sending emergency assistance to the region, many more will lose their lives since the area does not currently have all the necessary equipment for the rescue operation. Two helicopters have brought relief aid to Panjshir from Kabul, but supplies are still limited. Abdul Rahman Kalantari, head of disaster response at the Afghan Red Crescent Society, confirmed the Panjshir death toll and told AFP it was likely to rise.Afghanistan has had a largely mild and dry winter, but large parts of the north have reportedly experienced heavy snowfalls and a major storm over the last 48 hours. Avalanches are common in Afghanistan's mountainous north.In March 2012, a series of avalanches in northeastern Afghanistan claimed at least 50 lives.