Heavy snow falls in quake-hit Tibet by Alex Deakin
Heavy snowstorms have hit eastern Tibet over the last few days, worsening the situation for survivors of the earthquake earlier this month. Temperatures plummeted as snow started falling on Sunday.
At least two people are reported to have died and many more are missing. Snowfalls have blocked roads, caused avalanches and led to widespread power cuts.
Thousands of people have been living in tents or temporary shelters since the earthquake on 6th October. Relief materials including food and blankets are flooding into the area.
Heavy snowstorms are rare for this part of Tibet in October, and temperatures are unseasonably cold. In Lhasa, the regional capital, the average maximum temperature in October is 17C (63F), but yesterday the high was just 8C (46F). The wet season for Tibet is generally March to September, so should be soon coming to an end.
A few more snow showers have fallen today, but fortunately for residents the weather is forecast to turn milder and drier for the rest of this week.
