In Uvurkhangai, Mongolia’s southernmost province there has been a very heavy snowfall of up to 90 cm. As a result  the authorities have declared an emergency ‘zud’ situation. This province is hugely important for livestock production; as of December, there were 5 million 744 thousand animals in December. However, after last year’s unusually dry summer the situation is serious. In 7-8 soums (districts) of Uvurkhangai the situation is already critical as snow covered up to 80-90 cm.

The authorities have established three hay and fodder stockpiles across the province. In anticipation of the worst possible scenario, food, fuel and insulation materials are being distributed among the neediest families.

‘Zud’ is a Mongolian word used to describe one of several forms of winter calamities, all of which result in the loss of livestock.