the operation. Reactions The governor of Badakhshan Province said that the mudslides were "massive and it's beyond human ability to take all the dead bodies out [...] This is a disaster and a tragedy". He further stated that clearing out the bodies would be impossible so the site should be left as a mass grave. He also appealed for more shovels to dig people out. Afghan President Hamid Karzai stated that he is "deeply saddened by the loss of lives and financial damage". U.S. President Barack Obama said: "Our thoughts are with the people of Afghanistan who are facing a terrible tragedy [...] We stand ready to help our Afghan partners to face this disaster". A memorial ceremony took place on 3 May. References 2014 in Afghanistan History of Afghanistan (1992–present) History of Badakhshan Province Badakhshan mudslides Badakhshan mudslides May 2014 events in Afghanistan