Shimla, Himachal Pradesh
A major crisis has emerged in Himachal Pradesh’s Kinnaur district following heavy snowfall. A large number of sheep and goats have become trapped under snow at Rupin Pass, located between Sangla and Dodra-Kwar. According to shepherds, around 2,000 sheep and goats are believed to be buried under the snow. The administration and rescue teams are carrying out an operation to save the animals.
More than three feet of snow has accumulated in the Rupin Pass region due to heavy snowfall. The situation is so severe that in several places, only the horns of sheep and goats trapped beneath the snow are visible. However, the exact number of animals affected will become clear only after the snow is cleared and all the livestock can be counted.
Shepherds Were Returning Before Winter
Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi said that shepherds from two camps were returning from the high-altitude areas ahead of winter when they became stranded at Rupin Pass due to sudden heavy snowfall. The administration’s priority is to safely evacuate the shepherds and rescue their animals.
Fortunately, no casualties among people have been reported so far. Administrative teams are continuously monitoring the situation and making efforts to reach the stranded people and livestock.
Teams Clearing Snow to Rescue Animals
The rescue team reached Taap at Rupin Pass on Wednesday and has remained in contact with the administration. Heavy snowfall is creating significant challenges for the rescue operation. Teams are having to clear large quantities of snow to reach the areas where the sheep and goats are trapped.
According to local shepherds, the sudden heavy snowfall left them with insufficient time to move the animals to safer locations. Rescue teams are currently working to free the livestock buried beneath the snow.
Extent of Loss to Be Assessed Later
The administration has said that its immediate priority is to complete the rescue operation. The actual extent of the loss will be assessed only after the snow is cleared and the condition of all the animals becomes known.
Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi has assured the affected shepherds that necessary relief measures will be provided after assessing the damage. Administrative teams continue to monitor the situation closely as the rescue operation remains underway.
