Herd of sheep drowned in western China lake

More than 200 sheep drowned in a lake in northwest China's Qinghai Province earlier this week after ice gave way under the herd's weight, the herder and the local government confirmed Saturday.

In an extremely rare phenomenon, a herd of more than 500 sheep fell into the Buh River, a feeder of the Qinghai Lake, Wednesday afternoon.

Despite rescue efforts, 260 of them died, said Kanben Tsering, a village official in Gangcha County of the Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Haibei.

"I was shocked when the herders phoned me for help," said Ye Xuefeng, the sheep owner. Then he called the local government for help.

At least 100 people, including policemen, officials and villagers, jumped into the river to search for the drowning sheep, said Kanben Tsering. "They searched for four hours and retrieved 260 dead animals."

He said the ice on the surface of the water was too thin and broke, plunging the entire herd into the water.

"The stronger animals managed to climb onto the bank, but most of the lambs and older sheep were washed away," he said.

The accident incurred at least 100,000 yuan (15,620 U.S. dollars) in losses for Ye Xuefeng, who lives mainly on herding.

"We have reported the situation to the county's civil affairs bureau, and hopefully, the bureau will grant some aid to make up for some of his losses," said Kanben Tsering.

Qinghai Lake, covering 4,400 square kilometers, is China's largest inland salt lake. The Buh River is among the largest of its total 40-plus tributaries.

The lake area is an ideal pastureland and major habitat for wild animals.

Earlier reports said the lake's surface area has expanded over the past decade, as rainfall increases and temperatures rise. Endit