Blizzard-hit Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region has been taking
emergent measures to help the herdsmen and their livestock out of
difficulties.
Most parts of Xinjiang had been hit by continuous heavy snowfall
amid drastic temperature drops since December 29 last year, leaving
herdsmen and their livestock stranded in winter pastures.
Altay Prefecture was most seriously affected. The snow, about 40
centimeters thick, prevented the livestock at the winter pastures
from finding sufficient food, according to the local
government.
The local government in Altay has been organizing various
departments to help the stranded herdsmen and their livestock back
to their residential areas or safe places, said Zaken, an official
with Altay Prefecture.
Most livestock are moving to safe areas and only some weak ones
died half way in the blizzards, said Hanbar, a herdsman in Fuyun
County, one of the most seriously affected counties in Altay.
Rescuers have prepared dry dung of cow and sheep for the
livestock to rest on so that they would not rest in snow and this
is very considerate since livestock would die if their legs got
hurt and they could not stand up and move forward in snow, said
Ziahemaiti, a local herdsman in Fuyun County.
The county has sent 1.5 million yuan (US$187,500) in relief,
1,000 tons of feedstuff and 300 tons of flour to the affected
areas. Soldiers and local traffic department have got through most
blocked herding passages to help herdsmen and livestock return to
their residential areas.
According to the regional disaster relief authorities, 97,000
people have so far been evacuated from the blizzard-hit areas, with
their livelihood properly arranged.
The local governments of Tacheng, Bortala, Changji and Hami have
allocated cotton tents and clothes to the disaster-stricken
areas.
Meteorologists said no more heavy snowfall is expected for the
region in the coming week.
(Xinhua News Agency January 8, 2006)