January 19, 2010

Livestock sector hit by cold wave in China's Xinjiang

As a result of the persistent cold wave in China, almost 40,000 livestock have died in the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region with direct economic losses estimated at RMB320 million (US$47 million).

Altay, the area worst hit by continuous blizzards since late December, has been reeling under the heaviest snow in 10 years. The area is expecting a dramatic drop in temperature and severe blizzards across its mountains due to another cold wave.

The temperature in Altay might drop to -42 C in the next couple of days, according to the regional meteorological station.

The top priority is to clear roads so people and livestock in the worst affected areas can be evacuated for their safety, the director of the Altay region's information office, Yan said.

In Qinghe county of Altay, herders of Yuandong farm, where almost one-third of livestock in the county spend their winter, were trying their best to move all 100,000 livestock to safer pastures at lower altitudes ahead of the upcoming snowstorm. A total of 3,000 livestock died due to the harsh weather and shortage of food.

To help the herders of Yuandong farm transfer their livestock, they live on to safer places with sufficient food supply on time, the local government allocated more trucks and other vehicles to clear the road for the herders, said Zhao Jie, secretary of Qinghe's Party committee.

So far 40,000 livestock and 4,000 farmers and herders have been successfully transferred from the Yuandong farm.