SHIMLA, October 1: Around 2,000 sheep and goats are feared to be buried under deep snow near Rupin Pass in Himachal Pradesh’s Kinnaur district after sudden heavy snowfall struck shepherds moving their herds toward winter pastures.
A rescue team has reached the high-altitude area to assess the situation, while the state government has said the exact number of livestock lost or trapped will become clear only after conditions improve and a detailed assessment is completed.
Sudden Snowfall Traps Large Herds
The incident occurred when shepherds were moving livestock through the Rupin Pass region, a high-altitude route connecting Kinnaur with the Dodra-Kwar side of Shimla district.
Sudden and intense snowfall made movement difficult, leaving a large number of animals stranded.
Several smaller animals are believed to be completely covered by snow.
Around 2,000 Animals Feared Trapped
Initial estimates from shepherds suggest that roughly 2,000 sheep and goats may be buried or trapped beneath the snow.
Authorities have stressed that this remains a preliminary estimate.
A final figure will be possible only after rescuers gain wider access to the affected areas and the snow begins to recede.
More Than Three Feet of Snow Reported
The rescue team that reached the upper reaches of Rupin Pass reported more than three feet of accumulated snow in parts of the area.
The depth of the snow has made it extremely difficult to locate smaller livestock.
Some larger animals could reportedly be partially visible, but the condition of many sheep and goats remains uncertain.
Rescue Team Reaches Rupin Pass
After receiving information about the incident, authorities constituted a rescue team to reach the stranded herds.
The team includes local shepherds, volunteers, Home Guards, police personnel and Revenue Department officials.
Communication with the team has been maintained through satellite phones because conventional connectivity is limited in the high-altitude terrain.
No Human Casualties Reported
Authorities have said there are no reports of human deaths in the incident so far.
Many shepherds managed to move toward lower elevations where snowfall was comparatively lighter.
Some reportedly turned back after weather conditions began deteriorating, helping them avoid becoming trapped in the worst-affected area.
Shepherds Were Moving Toward Winter Pastures
Seasonal movement of livestock is common among shepherd communities in the Himalayan region.
Herders move sheep and goats between high-altitude summer grazing areas and lower winter pastures as weather conditions change.
The sudden snowfall struck while several groups were making this seasonal transition.
Weather Delayed Rescue Efforts
Poor weather and difficult terrain initially hampered efforts to reach the affected location.
Heavy snow made movement across the pass dangerous, while visibility and accessibility remained limited.
Improved weather conditions later allowed the rescue team to reach the upper area and begin assessing the situation.
Second Assessment Team Expected
Authorities are also preparing to send another team consisting of officials from relevant departments.
Veterinary personnel and other specialists are expected to participate in a more detailed assessment.
Their work will include estimating livestock losses and identifying the assistance required by affected shepherds.
Exact Livestock Loss Still Unclear
Officials have cautioned against treating the current estimate as a confirmed death toll.
Some animals may still be trapped but alive, while others may have moved to nearby areas before becoming cut off.
The full scale of the loss will only become known after rescuers are able to search the snow-covered terrain properly.
Government Considering Special Relief Package
The Himachal Pradesh government has said it will assess the financial losses suffered by shepherds.
Relief and compensation could be provided once authorities establish how many animals were lost.
The government is also considering assistance through a special relief package for affected livestock owners.
Livestock Loss Could Hit Shepherd Families Hard
For many shepherd families, sheep and goats represent their primary source of income.
A large-scale livestock loss could therefore have significant economic consequences, especially as families prepare for the winter season.
The final compensation assessment is expected to depend on verified livestock losses.
Kinnaur Hit by Early Snowfall
Parts of Kinnaur have experienced unusually early snowfall in recent days.
Higher reaches of the district began receiving snow toward the end of September, while lower areas recorded rain.
The weather has also affected agriculture and horticulture in some parts of the district.
Apple Crops Also Report Damage
Recent snow and rainfall have damaged apple orchards and other crops in parts of Kinnaur.
Apple-laden branches and trees have reportedly been damaged under the weight of snow.
Traditional crops nearing harvest have also been affected in certain areas.
High-Altitude Travel Remains Difficult
The combination of snow, low temperatures and difficult terrain continues to make movement challenging in several higher-altitude areas.
Authorities are monitoring conditions and coordinating with local communities to identify people or livestock requiring assistance.
Residents and shepherds have been advised to remain cautious while moving through mountain passes during unstable weather.
Rescue Operation Focuses on Assessing Survivors
The immediate priority for teams at Rupin Pass is to determine whether trapped animals can still be rescued.
Authorities are also assessing the safety of shepherds and ensuring that essential support reaches affected communities.
The livestock casualty figure may change substantially once the search progresses.
Full Extent of Damage Awaited
The situation remains developing, with officials awaiting detailed ground reports from rescue personnel.
The current estimate of around 2,000 affected sheep and goats is based primarily on information from shepherds present in the region.
Authorities are expected to provide a clearer assessment once snow conditions permit a complete survey.
Source – Hindustan Times / India Today / ANI / Himachal Pradesh Government Hindustan Times
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