Relief underway in snow-hit areas of Tibet
(Xinhua)
Updated: 2005-02-27 14:36

Relief work is underway and 18 million yuan (2.2 million US dollars) has been allotted to areas hit by blizzards in southwestern Tibet Autonomous Region, according to regional officials.

"A large number of livestock starved or froze to death because of the heavy snowfalls. This may have a great effect on the local people's life because raising livestock is their main means of livelihood," a civil affairs official said.

Beginning in January, constant snowfalls have hit areas such as Ari, Shigatse and Nagqu in Tibet, causing the death of 16,600 animals and blocking transport.

The 18 million yuan has been allocated by the regional civil affairs department for disaster relief.

The central government also appropriated 4 million yuan (480,000 US dollars) to compensate the herdsmen and ensure they have enough food for the remaining winter, according to the civil affairs department.