DUSHANBE, December 24, Asia-Plus  -- President Emomali Rahmon has expressed his deep condolences to the families and friends of persons who were killed by avalanche on the highway from Dushanbe to Khujand Friday night, presidential press service said.     

A working group led by Prime Minister Oqil Oqilov has been set up to organize search-and-rescue operation and clear-up efforts, the press service said, noting that the bodies of three people had been recovered after the avalanche.   

Local authorities are to find funds to provide financial assistance to the families of those killed by the avalanche.   

According to presidential press service, the avalanche that occurred on the 67th kilometer of the highway from Dushanbe to Khujand Friday night left three dead.