Kinnaur snowfall: 2,000 sheep and goats feared buried

Approximately 2,000 sheep and goats are feared buried under heavy snowfall in the high-altitude areas of the Kinnaur district in Himachal Pradesh. The incident occurred on September 27 during the traditional migration of local shepherds toward winter pastures.

Revenue, Horticulture, and Tribal Development Minister Jagat Singh Negi stated that a rescue team, comprising local shepherds, volunteers, police, and Revenue Department officials, has reached the Rupin Pass to assess the situation. The team reported encountering more than three feet of snow at the location.

While preliminary estimates suggest around 2,000 animals may be trapped, the exact number of deaths remains undetermined. Rescuers have only been able to spot a few larger animals with horns partially visible above the snow, while smaller animals remain entirely buried. A full assessment will only be possible once the snow recedes.