Basically seismicity is relatively low in the vicinity of the Mongolian capital as compared to western parts of the country. Nevertheless, there are concerns as many buildings in Ulaanbaatar, would be unable to resist a big earthquake if it struck. According to the study, over 1000 seismic tremors were registered in Mongolia during the first ten months of 2017. Seismic activity has increased ten-fold in recent years.

The General Agency of Specialized Inspection evaluated 10.5 percent of buildings nationwide as being unable to withstand a major earthquake.  As of this year, Mongolia has 1000 earthquake prone buildings; 349 are in Ulaanbaatar.

The Ulaanbaatar Mayor’s Office has decided to demolish 131 buildings which have failed to meet the seismic resilience standards. However, only 60 buildings have been demolished and construction of new buildings is continuing. The remaining buildings are still standing for various reasons, primarily a lack of funding.