China on Tuesday activated a state disaster rescue for animals in Qinghai province’s Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, as heavy snowfall decimated livestock.

In an interim report, the Ministry of Emergency Management said that by 5 p.m. on Tuesday at least 12,931 households and 58,289 residents had been affected — roughly 14% of the local population. Around 21,000 livestock animals had been reported dead, while 68,800 animals could “hardly find food.” The situation had caused an estimated financial loss of 65.28 million yuan ($9.66 million) so far.

Over 98% of local residents in the Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture are Tibetan, and animal husbandry is a major revenue and livelihood source for locals.

The government allocated 65 million yuan for the rescue efforts, the Ministry said.

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