Severe snowstorms swept through the Yili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region of northwest China, trapping eight herdsmen and their thousand sheep and cattle in freezing conditions around midnight on Friday.
Upon receiving an urgent call for help, local police sprang into action, navigating treacherous, snow-covered roads to reach the stranded group. The herdsmen were en route to a settlement when the sudden blizzard struck, leaving them immobilized in the harsh terrain.
Guided by the dedicated officers, the herdsmen and their livestock embarked on a challenging three-hour trek through deep snow. Despite biting cold and limited visibility, the group successfully reached their destination, thanks to the support of local authorities.
Recent heavy snowfall has impacted multiple regions across Xinjiang, disrupting transportation and daily life. Between last Friday and Sunday, severe weather conditions led to the suspension of several train services. Authorities ensured that stranded passengers were well-cared for, providing food and hot water to help them endure the delays.
The swift response to the snowstorms highlights the community’s resilience and the commitment of emergency services to safeguard residents and their livelihoods during extreme weather events.
Reference(s):
Herdsmen, livestock trapped in snowstorm rescued by police in NW China
cgtn.com
