The vast steppes of Mongolia, home to one of the last remaining nomadic cultures globally, are witnessing a grave natural disaster. Over 4.7 million livestock animals, essential to the nation’s economy and the herders’ way of life, have succumbed to the harsh winter conditions known as dzud. With temperatures dipping below minus 30 degrees Celsius in many areas, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) reports that approximately 76% of the country is gripped by severe weather phenomena termed Iron Dzud and White Dzud.
The IFRC has termed this winter the worst Mongolia has faced in half a century. In a chilling statement, they noted, “Over 7,000 families now lack adequate food, and heavy snowfall has buried more than 1,000 herder households’ gers (traditional homes) and shelters. To date, 2,257 herder families have lost over 70% of their livestock, with thousands more needing basic health services, fuel and coal.” The latest figures mark an alarming increase from the 1.5 million livestock deaths reported around a month earlier.
This year’s dzud shows a trend of rising severity and frequency linked to climate change. The United Nations has pointed out the increasing occurrence and strength of these events in Mongolia, with six dzuds, including the current one, in the past decade. The preceding summer was arid, making it difficult for animals to build up the necessary fat reserves for the winter, worsening the situation. The country’s herders, whose lives are closely tied to their herds, are now confronting the harsh truths of climate change.
As per the UN, the total livestock population in Mongolia stood at 64 million at the end of 2023, making the current loss over 7% of the total herds. This considerable loss has dire implications for the country’s economy and the livelihoods of its nomadic population. “The Mongolian Red Cross Society is working tirelessly to provide humanitarian assistance to the affected people together with partners in this difficult time,” said Mongolian Red Cross Society Secretary General Bolormaa Nordov.
A herder interviewed described the pernicious cycle of weather changes, “The winter started with heavy snow but suddenly air temperatures rose, and the snow melted. Then the temperatures dropped again, turning the melting snow into ice.” This cycle prevents animals from grazing, leading to starvation and death, and places a financial burden on herders who are forced to purchase feed.
The government of Mongolia has pledged assistance, initiating campaigns to deliver hay fodder to herders. In addition, the IFRC is appealing for $5 million in emergency funds to help 10,000 herder families with cash assistance. IFRC Asia Delegation Head Olga Dzhumaeva underscored the need for aid, stating, “The ongoing livestock deaths, diminishing resources and deteriorating conditions of hundreds of thousands of people in Mongolia this winter is a stark reminder of the urgent need for assistance.”
Relevant articles:
– Severe weather kills 4.7 million Mongolian livestock
– 2 million animals dead as extreme winter weather hits Mongolia, FRANCE 24 English, Mon, 26 Feb 2024 08:00:00 GMT
– Mongolia At ‘High Risk’ From Climate Change-Fueled Weather, HuffPost, Sun, 25 Feb 2024 08:00:00 GMT
– Mongolia reports loss of 4.7 million livestock in harsh winter, Ghana News Agency, Tue, 19 Mar 2024 16:38:44 GMT