More Snow will Hit Tibetan Region

Snow and high winds are set to hit a Tibetan region in southwest China that was just hit by a blizzard last week, local meteorological officials said Thursday.

Snow has been falling since Wednesday in the regions of Nyalam and Burang, located in Xigaze prefecture in the Tibet Autonomous Region, local meteorological officials said.

Authorities said the latest snowfall might slow the transport of relief goods into blizzard-hit areas.

A blizzard hit 12 counties in Xigaze from Feb. 7 to 9, blocking roads and cutting off power, water and communication for the region's residents. No deaths have been reported, although more than 2,500 people were relocated after 689 houses were destroyed or damaged, officials said.

The government has allocated more than 25 million yuan (4 million U.S. dollars) to fund relief efforts, as well as sent clothing, blankets, shoes and food to affected areas.

Tibet's top officials have ordered enhanced relief efforts, especially since the Tibetan New Year, which falls on Feb. 22 this year, is drawing near.

"We should stay prepared for even worse blizzards," said Chen Quanguo, head of the regional committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC). "Ample supplies of manpower and relief goods should be ensured."

Chen said that while field officials should spare no effort to prevent the blizzard from claiming human lives, they should also pay attention to the safety of livestock, a major source of income for most of the region's residents.

"Relocate livestock in hard-hit areas, boost feed supplies and rebuild shelters for those left behind," Chen said.

Chen also stressed the need to ensure a "merry and happy" Tibetan New Year holiday for people in disaster-hit areas, as well as vigilance against possible action by hostile overseas forces or the Dalai Lama group.