Srinagar: At least 70 livestock which include sheep, goat and some cows were killed due heavy rains in Kashmir.
As per details available with a local news gathering agency, 66 sheep and cows were killed in the high altitude area of Budgam where Chopan families go to graze livestock during summer months.
Mohammad Ashraf District sheep officer Budgam said that at least 66 sheep were killed due to snow, rain and cloudburst at high altitude areas.
“14 sheep were killed due to cloudburst at Dourien, 8 were killed at Ladermad as a pine tree fell on them, some were killed due to hypothermia and some were killed due to non availability of feed,” he added.
He said that they have advised shepherds in all 12 highland altitude points in district Budgam to return till weather improves.
“Primary reports said that out of 2.5 lakh sheep, 66 died due to bad weather for the past few days,” he said.
Chief advisor for J&K Gujjar Bakarwal Youth Welfare Conference said that cattle herders at Diskhal, Hamkhal, Daandeer, Frasnaag, Meachi khanen, Dragtolan, Bargah, Chidak, Tosamaidan have lost livestock due to untimely snowfall while urging the government for relief to the affected families.
Similarly reports said that several nomadic families living on the upper reaches and banks of the river in Kulgam have lost their livestock due to continuous rainfall.
An official from administration said, “Tehsildar Kulgam & the team visited various locations to shift the nomads to safer places as per the directions of DC Kulgam Bilal Bhat, Relief-Blankets/Food items provided. Relief cases being prepared for the loss of livestock/property.”
“Have received distress calls from migratory families stuck in high altitude #kausarnag #kulgam. Teams were constituted and sent with necessary relief ( balnkets,waterproof covers. Food & fodder). Teams will reach there after trekking for 30 kms,” he tweeted.
District Magistrate Shopian also said, “The rescue team deployed by District Administration Shopian assessing the ground situation at Upper Dubjan tattapani.”
In Ganderbal, administration has deputed officials to review /check situation at Dourinar, Vishensar, Gadsar, loundisulban, Sonamarg, Ganderbal, Mahlish, Kulan Gumri, Mengandob, Salnai and Jawdara however no loss of any livestock or human life has been reported from district. (KNO)
