2 Million Animals Died Due to Severe Cold Weather in Mongolia

News Desk

Islamabad: It is indeed a tragic situation that more than 2 million animals have died in Mongolia this winter due to extreme cold and snowfall. The severe weather conditions, exacerbated by below-normal temperatures and heavy snowfall, have led to significant livestock losses in the country.

Mongolia typically experiences harsh winter conditions, with temperatures dropping as low as minus 50 degrees Celsius in some areas between December and March.

The United Nations has noted that the current winter has been colder than usual, contributing to the challenging situation faced by Mongolia’s agriculture sector.

The phenomenon known as “dzud” has historically resulted in the death of large numbers of livestock during severe winters, a trend that is being exacerbated by climate change.

The Mongolian agriculture ministry has reported that 2.1 million livestock, out of a total of 64.7 million animals in Mongolia including sheep, goats, horses, and cows, have succumbed to starvation and exhaustion.

This loss of livestock poses significant challenges for herders and the country’s economy, as animals provide essential resources and livelihoods for many Mongolians.

The impact of climate change, including recurrent droughts and extreme weather events, has further intensified the vulnerability of Mongolia’s herding communities.

It is crucial for both local and international efforts to address the immediate needs of affected populations and to work towards sustainable solutions to mitigate the impact of climate change on Mongolia’s agriculture and livestock sector.