Ref: DHAGVA - 98/0146
Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs
China - Snowstorms in Tibet
OCHA Situation Report No. 1
28 January 1998
1. The UN Resident Coordinator in Beijing provided the following information on snowstorms in Tibet, based on a report from the Chinese Ministry of Civil Affairs received on 16 January 1998.
Situation
2. According to reports submitted by the Bureau of Civil Affairs of the Tibetan Autonomous Region (TAR), more than 40 snowstorms, some very heavy, have hit Naqu, Ali, Shigatse, Lhasa and Shannan prefectures as well as Changdu city since last September. Much of the area is covered with 40 centimetres of snow. The snowstorms came earlier than usual and were more intensive and severe, affecting a large area. The post-storm temperature drop was dramatic, 10 degrees lower than normal, and persistent. Over 40 counties in the TAR were hit by the snowstorms. Among them, Anduo, Nierong, Nima, Puquan and Nylam were worst affected.
Impact
3. These adverse conditions had a severe impact on people's livelihoods and caused serious damage to livestock production in pastoral areas. Since the snowfall started one month earlier than usual, the herdsmen have had no time to make preparations for the winter. As a result, most of the herdsmen and livestock were caught up in the storms, some of them being stuck between camps, with no fuel, food or warm clothes.
4. With the pasture covered by heavy snow, livestock has not been able to graze. The continuous low temperature contributed to the death of some livestock. At present, almost 10 million heads of livestock are being affected by the snow disaster.
5. Traffic in over 10 counties in Naqu, Ali and Shigatse prefectures had to be closed down temporarily. At present, roads in most of the counties have been reopened thanks to the joint effort made by the People's Liberation Army (PLA) and the local people. However, roads linking counties with townships are still partially closed, making access difficult.
National Response
6. The Central Government and the State Council allocated relief funds and supplies to the disaster-stricken areas. Recently, a team was sent there to convey sympathy and support to the victims. Party Committees, governments at all levels and the armed forces stationed in the affected areas were involved in rescue and relief work, delivering food, fuel, winter clothes and padded quilts to the victims to meet their urgent needs. At present, the basic needs of the herds-people in the disaster-stricken areas are being met.
7. To date, no request for international assistance has been made.
8. The UN Resident Coordinator is closely monitoring the situation in consultation with the Ministry of Civil Affairs. The situation seems to have worsened again during the past few days.
9. This Situation Report and further information on ongoing emergencies are also available on the OCHA Internet WebSite at: http://www.reliefweb.int
Telephone number: +41-22-917 12 34
Desk Officers: Ms. S. Metzner-Strack/Mr. R. Mueller, OCHA Relief Coordination Branch, direct Tel. +41-22-917 21 44/31 31
Press to contact: Ms. M. Moulin-Acevedo, direct Tel. +41-22-917 28 56
Telex: 414242 DHA CH
Fax: +41-22-917 00 23
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