Published by: World Tibet Network News Thursday, February 29, 1996

February 27th 1996, London

Been feeling a bit chilly recently? When will it get warmer? What is happening to our weather? Snow fall, cars stranded, schools shutting, pipes bursting.....

Imagine what things must be like in nomadic TIBET, at altitudes of over 14,000 feet above sea level!

This morning Tibet Foundation has received urgent appeals from Tibet. Unexpectedly heavy snow falls and freak, freezing weather conditions, have brought devastation to two nomadic areas in east and north-east Tibet: the Zachuka area of Kham, and Yushu region of neighbouring Amdo.

The most severe and sustained blizzards in one hundred years have arrived 6 weeks earlier than the normal snowfall is due, temperatures have dropped as low as minus 45o C.

This disaster has affected an area inhabited by 200,000 Tibetan nomads.

In Kham and Amdo;

- over 500,000 head of livestock have perished,

- there have been 28,000 cases of snowblindness or frostbite,

- 17,000 herdsmen are trapped in remote areas

- 42 persons have been reported dead.

More casualties are expected as the bad weather continues

In regions with few facilities to cope with such abnormal conditions, and where peoples' traditional lifestyle of cattle herding has been destroyed, immediate emergency support is needed.

Tibet Foundation is making an urgent appeal. Please help us to send financial aid to Tibetans in these areas, supporting the local efforts to improve conditions for the people, providing essential fuel for fires, basic foods such as tea and grain, warm clothing and re-establishing vital transport and communication.

While we are having difficulties coping with the cold in England, please consider those struggling just to survive it.

Your kind support will help where it is desperately needed right now,.

Please fill in and return this form TODAY with your cheque made payable to:

Tibet Foundation Emergency Relief.

Thank you for your help.

YES, I would like to help Aid to Tibet's Emergency Appeal.

Name (PRINT) ___________________________________________________

Address (PRINT) __________________________________________

_______________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________

Postcode ____________

Please return to 'Aid to Tibet Emergency Appeal'

Tibet Foundation

10 Bloomsbury Way

London WC1A 2SH