Extreme Snow Storms Batter Herders and Animals (latest news from Mongolia)
Heavy snow falls which began late December, accompanied by falling temperatures are now widespread and affecting 90% of the country.
Official figures indicate that 198 soums in 19 aimags are suffering severe dzud weather with snow depths ranging from 20 to 120 cms (8 inches to 48 inches). The lowest recorded temperature of -47C was recorded in Uvs province, and overall temperatures in the worst affected provinces averaging -35C.
Herd animal losses are mounting, at around 3 million (1st March) affecting some 120,000 families. The GOM is appealing both nationally and internationally for aid to help meet the needs of those suffering the effects of this ongoing disaster. Convoys of aid - hay, fodder, clothing, and medical supplies were sent to the worst affected aimags Dundgobi, Zavkhan, Uvurkhangai, Bayankhongor, Gobi-Altai, Umnugobi, Arkhangai, Bayan-Ulgii, Tuv, Uvs, Khuvsgul and Khovd., and left Ulaanbaatar on 1st February.
Working groups, troops and vehicles have been despatched to open blocked roads and to hep deliver emergency supplies to remote areas.
The bitterly cold weather is forecast by the Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology to be likely to continue through March. This will bring conditions reminiscent of those 10 years ago during the great dzuds that claimed the lives of millions of herd animals. It is estimated by the GOM that if these conditions continue on into March with ever mounting animal losses and herder family financial distress, between 5 and 8 billion MNT may be needed to meet the needs of overcoming the consequences of this developing emergency.
See UB Post article for full details and their latest news - more than a million livestock dead and herders' plight
See BBC News Channel reporting United Nations warning of effects on Mongolia's food supply and how it may worsen poverty which is already high among nomadic herders
Return to News Page
Heavy snow falls which began late December, accompanied by falling temperatures are now widespread and affecting 90% of the country.
Official figures indicate that 198 soums in 19 aimags are suffering severe dzud weather with snow depths ranging from 20 to 120 cms (8 inches to 48 inches). The lowest recorded temperature of -47C was recorded in Uvs province, and overall temperatures in the worst affected provinces averaging -35C.
Herd animal losses are mounting, at around 3 million (1st March) affecting some 120,000 families. The GOM is appealing both nationally and internationally for aid to help meet the needs of those suffering the effects of this ongoing disaster. Convoys of aid - hay, fodder, clothing, and medical supplies were sent to the worst affected aimags Dundgobi, Zavkhan, Uvurkhangai, Bayankhongor, Gobi-Altai, Umnugobi, Arkhangai, Bayan-Ulgii, Tuv, Uvs, Khuvsgul and Khovd., and left Ulaanbaatar on 1st February.
Working groups, troops and vehicles have been despatched to open blocked roads and to hep deliver emergency supplies to remote areas.
The bitterly cold weather is forecast by the Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology to be likely to continue through March. This will bring conditions reminiscent of those 10 years ago during the great dzuds that claimed the lives of millions of herd animals. It is estimated by the GOM that if these conditions continue on into March with ever mounting animal losses and herder family financial distress, between 5 and 8 billion MNT may be needed to meet the needs of overcoming the consequences of this developing emergency.
See UB Post article for full details and their latest news - more than a million livestock dead and herders' plight
See BBC News Channel reporting United Nations warning of effects on Mongolia's food supply and how it may worsen poverty which is already high among nomadic herders
Return to News Page
