Dozens of buffaloes in Sapa dropped dead from the severe cold, with temperatures there plummeting to nearly zero degrees Celsius.

A severe cold stream occurred in the scenic mountain town on January 10, leaving many of the animals to succumb to the elements.

Many residents of the northern province of Lao Cai have been forced to butcher their cattle to sell the meat on the side of the highway just to recoup some of their losses.

“I bought my buffalo for VND15 million (USD750), but now I’ll probably only get between VND3 million (USD150) and VND4 million (USD200). It’s a real tragedy for me. I have no choice but to sell the meat,” said Giang A Chinh, an ethnic minority resident in Chu Lin No. 1 hamlet, Trung Chai commune.

Chinh noted that he knew of 15 buffaloes that have died recently in his hamlet.

Locals took the precaution of rounding up their livestock to Coc San to avoid some of the worst weather, but did not foresee the severity of the frigid winter conditions. If the weather continues, more buffaloes could die in the coming days.

Images from the fog-covered town:

A family’s last buffalo dies from the cold

Buffalo meat sold along the road to Sapa

Locals do their best to keep warm

Freezing temperatures mean empty schools

Cattle led down the mountain for respite from chill

Villagers cut losses by selling meat

Selling meat will recover only a fraction of the animal’s value

Farmers butcher a buffalo that died while grazing

Small fire at impromptu roadside meat market

Man carries feed for his remaining animals

A buffalo is often a family’s biggest asset