European Union brings relief to victims of floods in Mongolia

The European Union is allocating €50,000 (over 188 million Mongolian tugriks) to provide emergency humanitarian assistance to families affected by the floods that struck large parts of the capital, Ulaanbaatar, in early July. The aid will benefit over 11,000 people in the worst-hit localities.

This EU funding will support the Mongolian Red Cross Society (MRCS) in assisting with the immediate evacuation of families living in the areas at high risks of being affected by the floods. Shelter items such as blankets and mattresses will also be distributed to those temporarily displaced in the evacuation centres. In addition, MRCS staff will provide information on flood prevention and preparedness to help communities better prepare themselves in case of onset emergencies.

The funding is part of the EU’s overall contribution to the Disaster Relief Emergency Fund (DREF) of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).

The heavy and incessant downpours that hit different parts of Mongolia between 3 and 10 July caused the water levels in several rivers to rise and triggered widespread floods in many areas. In Ulaanbaatar alone, more than 128,000 people were affected, with over 20,000 displaced. Infrastructures were also damaged, including 17 main road arteries, two tunnels, and a dam. Electricity was cut off in certain areas as a precautionary measure. The worst-affected areas have so far been the residential districts of Bayangol, Bayanzurkh, Chingeltei, Khan-Uul, Songinokhairkhan and Sukhaatar in Ulaanbaatar.