Published by: World Tibet Network News, 96/03/07 20:00 GMT

Source: Information Office, Dharamsala, INDIA

Tibetans in Two Nomadic Areas in East and North-East Tibet Hit by

Worst Snowstorm in Hundred Years:

On February 28, 1996, Reuter reported from Beijing that more than 60,000 herders and their families in the Yushu region of Amdo Province, 3,500 metres (11,000 ft) above sea level, faced starvation in the most severe winter.

The heavy snowstorm has also hit Zachuka area in Kham Province. It has been reported that the temperatures dropped as low as minus 45 Celcius. So far, forty two persons are reported to have died in the snowstorm while another 17,000 are reportedly trapped in remote areas. Over 500,000 livestock have perished and 28,000 cases of snow-blindness and frostbites have been recorded.

In an `Urgent Appeal', the Tibet Foundation based in London, has requested the international community to support the Foundation's efforts to send in financial aid to the Tibetans in these disaster struck areas.

The Assembly of Tibetan People's Deputies has expressed concern over the loss of lives and property in Tibet.