Heavy snowfalls in Xigaze Prefecture of southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region left one person dead and 2,481 others injured in the eyes or frost bitten, the local government said Saturday.

The heavy snow since early winter also killed more than 24,000 livestock in 10 southwestern counties of the prefecture.

Currently the life of residents in the snow-hit areas has almost returned to normal after the joint efforts of the people and government, but much work has to be done in rebuilding their home, according to the prefecture disaster relief headquarters.

Since early winter, heavy snowfalls have attacked 18 counties in the prefecture, and in the worst-hit area, the snow piled up to 48 centimeters.

Meanwhile, relief work is underway and 18 million yuan (US$2.2 million) has been allotted to areas hit by blizzards in southwestern Tibet Autonomous Region, according to regional officials.

"A large number of livestock starved or froze to death because of the heavy snowfalls. This may have a great effect on the local people's life because raising livestock is their main means of livelihood," a civil affairs official said.

Beginning in January, constant snowfalls have hit areas such as Ari, Shigatse and Nagqu in Tibet, causing the death of 16,600 animals and blocking transport.

The 18 million yuan has been allocated by the regional civil affairs department for disaster relief. The central government also appropriated 4 million yuan (US$480,000) for the herdsmen to ensure them have enough food for the remaining winter, according to the civil affairs department.

(Xinhua News Agency February 27, 2005)