Mongolian dzud: Extreme weather puts 90% of country at ‘high risk’
The ongoing “white and iron” dzud in Mongolia has reached a “critical” level, with over 90 per cent of the country facing high levels of risk from the unique weather phenomenon, UN agencies have reported. | About 190,000 herder households are struggling with inadequate feed, skyrocketing prices and heightened vulnerabilities, according to the Office of the UN Resident Coordinator in Mongolia. Herding and livestock have traditionally been integral to Mongolia’s economy, culture and way of life. Estimates indicate that there are over 64 million livestock this winter season in Mongolia. “The increasing severity of weather conditions further exacerbates the crisis, underscoring the urgent need for humanitarian assistance and sustainable solutions to support Mongolia's rural communities and traditional livelihoods,” the Office said in an update this week. This is the second year in a row that the country has faced these severe conditions. Last winter about 70 per cent of the country was affected.
■ Mongolia: Severe Winter - Iron Dzud 2024 (As of 6 February 2024) (reliefweb)
■ The Dangers of Dzud, Mongolia’s Lethal Winters (National Geographic)