Afghanistan ? Around 1,300 people have died as freezing weather continues to cause havoc in Afghanistan with heavy snow and sub-zero temperatures hitting 17 of the country’s 34 provinces, local authorities said Wednesday.

This winter is the coldest in the last 30 years in war-torn Afghanistan, with temperatures reaching lows of minus 22 degrees Fahrenheit. Some northern regions have been without food and medical supplies for more than two months.

The agriculture ministry reported that more than 316,000 cattle had died and with many farmers left with no fodder to feed their animals, they are being forced to sell their livestock, which is causing meat prices to plummet.

People in Afghanistan’s northern provinces, stricken with hunger and cold, have apparently even taken to selling their children to buy food and fuel. At least six cases have been reported in the Baghlan province.

Aid workers have also reported being attacked by starving Afghan mountain dwellers.

Local meteorologists said over half of the country will be hit by severe flooding when the snow began melting.