Mongolia is a seismically active region. Over the last 14 years, earthquakes occurring in the country have been of Richter-scale magnitudes of 3-3.5. However, earlier in March, a 5.8 magnitude earthquake was registered in the Gobi-Altai Province. Does this bode more powerful and frequent seismic events? According to the Institute of Astronomy and Geophysics of Mongolia, the country should brace for a magnitude 6 earthquake following a spate of 5.3 magnitude events.  Mongolia has registered over 11 thousand earthquakes – some micro events – since 1 January, 2020. This corresponds with the general increase of seismic activity in recent years.

In the XX century, there were four strong earthquakes of magnitude 8 or above in Mongolia. For example, two strong earthquakes occurred within 14 days in the Bulnai area of Tsetserleg in 1905 followed in Altai Mountains in 1931, and Gobi-Altai in 1957. A large earthquake in Bulgan in 1967 was felt in Ulaanbaatar, the capital city of Mongolia, where cracks appeared in the walls of over 40 buildings.

The apparent increase in the frequency and magnitude of earthquakes has led to public awareness campaigns and Japan-style drills. These have been coordinated by the National Emergency Management Agency. Serious consideration is also being paid to the structural integrity of buildings in Ulaanbaatar.