ALMATY, Dec. 22 (Xinhua) -- The death toll from the avalanche north of Tajikistan's capital city of Dushanbe climbed to 16, said the interior ministry Saturday.

    The accident occurred on Friday night 67 km north of Dushanbe on a road linking the capital with the country's northern region, the Interfax news agency reported, citing the ministry.

    So far, rescuers have found 16 bodies. But the number of victims might increase as other victims were believed still buried under snow.

    About 93 percent of Tajikistan's territory are covered with mountains, where avalanches and mountain torrents often cause casualties and property losses.