Snow Disaster Relief for Kilung Families

Extreme cold and high levels of snow combined to create a disastrous situation in Dzachuka during the winter of 2008. Snow stayed for an unusually long time, covering the winter grasslands with huge drifts. Yaks, horses, sheep and goats that depend on winter grazing for food, and the families that care for them, were hard hit. More than 100,000 animals died, and many people suffered from frostbite and snow blindness as they tried to pull their ailing animals out of the snow. 

In the three-community area that includes Kilung Valley, Gemang and Gegong, more than 10,000 animals were lost, and over 2,300 by Kilung families alone. Kilung Monastery lost 25 percent of its milking yaks. By spring, when the weather finally eased, 40 families had been left without livestock or long-term food supply. Their immediate basic needs were met by members of their family and community sharing food. But for them, the future looked very precarious.

Kilung Foundation sprang into action over the winter months, energizing supporters in the west and in China. A four-part program was immediately instituted. Generous contributions ensured that family and animals were fed and that other areas of need began to be addressed.

Hunger relief for 40 families. Basic food was purchased and trucked in to provide six months worth of food for those families with the greatest needs.

Emergency animal feed. High-quality grains were trucked in, and in some cases hand fed to weakened animals, saving the lives of 250 + yaks, horses, goats and sheep.

Livestock replacement still sought. The local government provided five yaks per family as replacement animals. Family and friends who were able also donated some animals. However, for families to be truly sustainable, more animals are needed. Each family requires approximately 32 animals—10 yaks, 20 sheep and/or goats, and 2 horses is the minimum.

Kilung Foundation is seeking donations to help replace livestock for these families that were so severely affected. Our current goal is to purchase 40 yaks—one yak per family for those hardest hit. Replacement cost per yak: $285.

Winter feed kits. Since ancient times, the nomads of Dzachuka engaged in the agrarian practice of collecting and storing grasses to feed their herds in the late winter or spring. This enabled the animals to survive until the spring grass came up, especially needed in unusual years when the land stayed covered with snow for months. Certain elements of modern life caused this practice to dwindle, but through the advocacy of Kilung Rinpoche, Kilung tribal leaders are mandating its return. The Kilung Foundation, after the 2008 snow disaster, raised funds to provide 50 families with Winter Feed Kits, supplies to help restart this important practice.

Given the impact of climate change on the Tibetan plateau, it is critically important that these families recover their strength and economic stability as soon as possible. Support is crucial for the community to return to its former levels of health.  Contributing to Kilung’s disaster relief  fund is  a very practical and  inspiring way to support the children, parents, grandparents and animals living in this extraordinary landscape.