Following the deadliest mountain accident in Mongolian history, the National Emergency Management Agency has decided to work with professional mountaineers in order to upgrade the professional skills of its officers.

The incident occurred in October, when seventeen Mongolians, including seven women died after being caught in an avalanche on Mount Otgontenger, which is Mongolia’s highest peak. A rescue team involving nearly 300 people, 30 vehicles and two helicopters searched for the missing mountaineers for three days.

On Friday, Major-General T.Badral, Head of NEMA met board members of the ‘JCI Hiking club. During the meeting, JCI which has extensive international contacts,  offered to provide  training and exercises for NEMA rescuers in co-operation  with foreign and national professional mountaineers for search-and-rescue operation in high mountains.

The sides agreed to cooperate in setting standards for mountaineering gear and clothing, ensuring safety of rescuers as well as developing and implementing a professional training programme for NEMA officers.