Buffaloes find refuge in river to beat the heat in Turkey’s Muş province

Photo: AA

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When the mercury rises in the village of Karakütük in Turkey's eastern district of Muş, shepherds find themselves compelled to bring their buffaloes to the Karasu River.

İsmail Tayova, speaking to the state-run Anadolu Agency, elucidates the everyday custom of escorting the creatures to the flowing waters to protect them from the sweltering heat.

"We leave them in the water for about two hours. During this time, we take our meals and enjoy a cup of tea. Once the buffaloes have cooled down, we lead them back to the meadows. In the evening, we return them home,'' the shepherd explains.

In recent years, Turkey has experienced severe consequences due to climate change, including scorching heat and prolonged droughts.

Furthermore, this year will likely witness the occurrence of another El Niño, a warm ocean phenomenon in the Pacific, which influences weather patterns on a global scale.

To safeguard animals from extreme temperatures, providing shade and cool water is vital, as high temperatures can disrupt their temperature regulation, leading to symptoms like breathing issues, accelerated heart rates, dehydration, and fainting.

However, immersing the mammals in water not only provides a necessary refreshing experience but also offers additional benefits, Tayova indicates.

''Cooling off in the water helps the buffaloes beat the heat and increases their milk yield. It makes the milking process easier as they get cleaned in the river," the local describes.

Given the upcoming weather forecast indicating temperatures in the village surpassing thirty degrees by the week's end, the buffaloes will likely persist with their daily bathing routine. (TY/WM)