The heavy dust storm which has lashed all of Mongolia before losing its velocity on Monday, has left at least nine people dead and 17 missing. The killer storm moved across the country from the west leaving a trail of destruction in its path.

In Dundgobi province in the south of Mongolia, at least 466 persons went missing, of whom 457 have been found. A total of 223 officers and over 90 family members with 186 emergency vehicles are still participating in the rescue and relief efforts to locate the missing people.

According to one official, at least 58 traditional homes and 121 fences were damaged by the storm. Some western parts of Mongolia were left without electricity due to the disaster; this has since been restored.

With a population of over 3.25 million, Mongolia is bordered by China and Russia. It has vast, rugged expanses and nomadic culture.​​​​​​​ So far the number of livestock killed has not been counted.