Mongolia faces harsh winter conditions as millions of animals die and livelihoods are threatened
CNN reports that Mongolia is currently experiencing its worst winter in fifty years, with extreme conditions leading to the deaths of more than 4.7 million animals and putting the livelihoods and food supplies of thousands of people at risk. The severe conditions, known as dzud, are marked by extremely cold temperatures and heavy snowfall, which cover grazing areas and hinder access to feed for livestock.
Approximately 300,000 individuals in Mongolia are traditional nomadic herders who rely on their cattle, goats, and horses for sustenance and income. Alexander Matheou, the International Federation’s regional director for Asia Pacific, stated that many herders who depend entirely on their livestock for survival have been left destitute within a few months, unable to feed themselves or heat their homes.
Since November, over 2,250 herding families have lost more than 70% of their livestock, leaving more than 7,000 families without sufficient access to food. The dzud has impacted three-quarters of the country, and further worsening conditions are expected as winter persists.
The Mongolian government has declared a state of heightened preparedness until May 15, and an appeal for funds has been launched to assist those who have lost their livelihoods. The current dzud has not only inflicted a devastating economic toll on herders but has also disrupted travel, trade, and access to healthcare and education, particularly for residents in rural areas where heavy snowfall has blocked roads.
This year’s particularly harsh dzud has been exacerbated by extreme weather events, including a combination of summer droughts leading to heavy snowfall and freezing temperatures. The conditions have been further intensified by the effects of human-caused climate change, which have altered Mongolia’s distinct seasons and increased the frequency of dzuds in recent years.
The International Federation of the Red Cross emphasized the urgent need for assistance to support affected families in Mongolia during this challenging winter, highlighting the resilience and hope displayed by many as they confront the hardships brought on by the extreme weather conditions.