The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) of Mongolia has urgently called for early winter preparation as drought risks continue to rise. Recently, a nationwide assessment identified several aimags—Uvurkhangai, Bayan-Ulgii, Umnugobi, Khovd, and Dornogobi—as highly vulnerable to drought. Therefore, this situation demands immediate and coordinated action from all sectors.
Out of Mongolia’s 330 soums, 25 are classified as extremely high-risk for drought. Additionally, another 54 soums fall into the high-risk category. These numbers clearly show the wide reach of the problem. Moreover, the National Agency for Meteorology and Environmental Monitoring reports that pasture growth is poor or below average in 38 percent of the country. Meanwhile, 62 percent of the land has normal vegetation growth. Consequently, many herders will struggle to feed their livestock.
At a recent meeting, NEMA’s Deputy Director and Chief of Staff, Colonel Ts. Ganzorig, stressed the importance of early winter preparation. He instructed the Operational Command Team to act quickly and take comprehensive measures. Furthermore, the meeting included updates on the state of the agricultural sector, which faces many challenges due to drought.
Colonel Ganzorig ordered the team to update the drought risk assessment every two weeks. In doing so, frequent updates will help calculate risks more accurately. They will also allow the team to adjust response plans as needed. Additionally, he emphasized the urgent need to prepare hay and fodder reserves. These supplies must be stocked in safety stores at aimag and soum levels. This step is critical to protect livestock during winter.
NEMA also advised planning ahead for the seasonal livestock migration, called otor. To that end, strengthening coordination between different sectors is necessary. Officials must ensure a unified command structure. This will improve the efficiency of winter preparations. Consequently, local authorities, herders, and organizations must work closely together.
In conclusion, NEMA said that early winter preparation is essential. It will reduce the damage caused by drought. Moreover, it will help safeguard the livelihoods of Mongolia’s herders. Therefore, the agency calls for swift, well-coordinated action to protect livestock and natural resources this winter.
