By Our Correspondent

Lamjung, Dec. 15

Livestock farmers of mountainous district of Manang have been affected by the continuous snowfall.

Dense snowfall has adversely affected the yaks, said the farmers.

Suresh Thakali of Odargaun in Naso Rural Municipality-4, said that the risk of losing the yaks during snowfall was high.

Thakali said, “As the snowfall stopped, I have come out to search for my yaks.”

“We have 100 yaks, last year 10 yaks were buried by snowfall,” said Thakali. “We are being alert to not lose our livestock in the snowfall.”

Thakali said that yaks were the most unsafe animals during snowfall.

“Two or three yaks have gone missing this year, this is why we have expedited   search for them,” he said.

Yangdung Gurung of Manang Disyang Rural Municipality-1, Upper Pisang, said that they shifted  their yaks to village, after being informed about  the forthcoming snowfall.

Gurung, who owns 50 yaks and 60 Himalayan goats, said that most of the livestock farmers were affected by the snowfall.

“Even though snowfall is beneficial to apple and potato farming, it is difficult for cattle to graze during snowfall,” said Gurung. “Continuous snowfall can as well take cattle’s lives.”

“I have shifted my cattle to lower village to keep them safe from snowfall, “Gurung said.

According to the farmers, yaks die of cold during snowfall. Yaks are being reared in Manang, Knisyang, Chame, Narpabhumi and Naso Rural Municipalities of Manag district.

Kancha Ghale, chairman of Manang Knisyang Rural Municipality, said that snowfall had adversely affected livestock of the district.

“Livestock are unsafe during snowfall. Most of them go missing while many get buried under snow,” he said.

Their lives will be in danger if the snowfall continues. One feet of snow has been accumulated until now, he added.

Pushparaj Poudel, Chief District Officer, said that snowfall had started all over Manang.

The locals have not been able to get out of their houses due to snowfall.

Transportation services have been obstructed and rivers have frozen, informed Poudel.