Severe winter weather 'may devastate livelihoods in Mongolia'
28/01/2010
People's livelihoods are under threat in Mongolia, as severe winter weather has led to the death of livestock in the country.
This is according to the United Nations (UN), which said that although snow has restricted many people's access to healthcare facilities, saving their sources of income from being lost altogether is also a pressing issue.
It quoted the National Emergency Management Agency as stating that more than one million livestock have died so far, which is particularly worrying for those living in the 94 villages that have been most affected by the weather.
Figures from the World Bank show that 35 per cent of Mongolia's population relies upon cattle herding as a source of income.
Rana Flowers, the UN's resident coordinator for Mongolia, stated: "In addition to the impact this is having on livelihoods now and into the future, we are worried about the immediate plight of the isolated population."
The UN added that approximately 22,200 children staying in 265 dormitories due to travel restrictions are living with "extremely poor heat and limited food supplies".
Mongolia's southern neighbour China has sent relief supplies to the country this week, Xinhua News quoted the country's ministry of commerce as announcing.
Written by Clare Devlin
