Over 2.90L head of livestock killed in E Mongolia due to dust, snow storms - Goa Chronicle

Livestock farmers in Eastern Mongolia were hit by both intense dust and snow storms that resulted in the death of over 290,000 livestock animals in the region. This has dealt a significant blow to the economy of the rural communities that rely heavily on livestock for their livelihoods. Goa Chronicle reports that the snowstorm, referred to as the “dzud,” is a natural disaster that occurs every few years in Mongolia. However, this year’s dzud was particularly severe because it followed a drought that had already weakened the livestock. Moreover, the dust storms that swept across the region were also unprecedented. The storms not only killed the animals but also damaged the fodder, making it even harder for the surviving livestock to survive. These disasters are likely to have ripple effects on the commerce and social fabric of the region, and the government is looking into various measures to help the communities. As global warming intensifies, these types of climate events are expected to become more frequent and devastating, making it vital for governments and communities to work towards mitigation and adaptation strategies.