The UN Permanent Representative in Mongolia informed on the situation in Mongolia in connection with severe winter. The information states:

"Mongolia is currently threatened by a "dzud"--a multiple natural disaster consisting of a summer drought producing small stockpiling of fodder, followed by very heavy winter snow and lower than normal temperatures. Heavy and continuous snowfall and blizzards have resulted in a sharp fall in daily temperatures - dropping to below - 40 Celsius in 19 out of a total of 21 aimags (provinces).

According to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the extreme cold and heavy snow have already caused death of more than one million livestock, worsening food security which would result in deepening of poverty and increased internal rural-urban migration for many families. According to the World Bank, livestock herding today accounts for around 35% of employment in Mongolia.

In addition to a concern for the situation of isolated herding families, the agencies making up the United Nations Team are assessing the situation of the poor, particularly those living in the 94 soums (counties) considered to be the most affected and inaccessible. 'The poor did not have the resources to stockpile food or fuel for heating and the supplies in the now inaccessible village as a whole are stretched', said Rana Flowers, the Resident Coordinator a.i. in Mongolia. 'The UN agencies, together with the Government of Mongolia and local authorities, are working to assess the situation and coordinate the efforts to reach the most affected population. In addition to the impact this severe winter is having on the livelihoods now and in future, we are worried about the immediate plight of the isolated population. Among health concerns are pregnant women cut off from facilities and trained care (three women have reportedly already died in childbirth); increases in ARI and pneumonia in the light of the H1N1 in the country among children and pregnant women; and malnutrition levels due to lowering levels of access to food and nutrition in affected areas,' she added.

In addition, children who have been ordered to remain in dormitories due to the danger they would face if they try to travel to their families in such conditions, are living with limited and extremely poor heat and limited food supplies in many schools. There are approximately 22,200 children in 265 dormitories in need of assistance.

In the last zud of 2001, not considered to be as severe as the current 2010 experience, an increase in malnutrition and acute infections of children and pregnant mothers were documented. The plight of populations in the post-dzud period, which lasts from late February to early spring, is also a period of concern with food supplies having been exhausted and the animal supply severely depleted, and the risk of disease heightened. The trauma of losing livelihoods results in families and children at high risk of developing extreme fatigue and psychological stress.

The Government has appealed to the donor community for food, flour, rice, medicines and equipment, candles, heating supplies, warm clothing, as well as for funding to buy and deliver fodder for livestock. The United Nations in Mongolia was formally requested to coordinate all donor contributions.

<< BACK