In Yüksekova district of Hakkari, 25 small cattle perished after being trapped under a snowdrift that collapsed, a remnant from the winter season.
On the plateau of Onbaşılar village, affiliated with the district, snowdrifts that had not yet melted in the high altitudes despite the summer season caused distress to livestock breeders. According to information obtained, the incident occurred when a flock of sheep being taken to the plateau was crossing a snow-covered area. The layer of snow, a remnant from winter and not yet fully melted, collapsed under the weight of the flock. Numerous sheep fell into the void created by the collapse and became trapped under the snowdrift.
Shepherds and berivans (women who milk animals) who noticed the incident immediately launched efforts to rescue the animals using their own means. As a result of intense efforts, some of the animals under the snow were rescued alive, while 25 sheep perished.
Village residents, who earn their living from animal husbandry, stated that they were victimized by the incident, saying, "While we were taking our sheep to the plateau, the snowdrift suddenly collapsed, and our animals fell into the void. Although we intervened with our own efforts, approximately 25 of our sheep perished. This situation is a serious economic loss for us. We demand that the authorities assess the damage in the region and alleviate our grievances."
Local residents stated that despite being in the middle of summer, snowdrifts in high-altitude areas still pose a danger, and called for measures to be taken on risky transit routes to prevent similar incidents from recurring. - HAKKARİ