By M.ZOLJARGAL

The assistance team of the State Special Commission has transported 5,600 tons of hay to the provinces affected by the severe winter conditions this year. This hay will be distributed to herders free of charge. An additional 11,900 tons of fodder has also been transported to the affected provinces. This fodder will be sold at a 50% discount to herders. The hay and fodder were transported to 91 soums of 18 provinces on January 19.
Almost 90% of Mongolian territory is now covered with snow. Most areas have between 20 and 60 centimeters of snow, while some areas have snow of up to 130 cm in depth. Such areas are considered to have conditions resembling a dzud. The hay and fodder distributed to the affected areas comes from the State Reserve. The Government Reserve Fund will provide the required funding of 444.2 million MNT for the cost of transporting the hay and fodder.
The Chief of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), T.Dulamdorj, said regarding the issue that “Pursuant to an order from the Prime Minister and the Deputy Minister, a working group appointed by NEMA submitted a proposal with further possible measures to address the difficulties faced by herders who are experiencing severe conditions in nine provinces in the western and central regions and several soums in the eastern region. Implementation of the initial measures has now begun and the first assistance convoy has set off to the provinces in need. Furthermore, assistance of 100-300 million MNT has been decided to be allocated to each province undergoing severe winter conditions, which totals to 1.2 billion MNT. This funding will be provided from the Government Reserve Fund.”
Member of Parliament, Ts.Davaasuren, recently noted that “We have received unfortunate information stating that the number of livestock has declined due to the glacial temperatures, dropping to minus 40 degree Celsius. The parliament and government will soon form a commission to assist the affected provinces.”
The delivery of hay and fodder follows the donation of 16 all-terrain UAZ-469 vehicles to the hospitals, emergency management agencies and police departments of the provinces of Arkhangai, Bayankhongor, Zavkhan, Bulgan, Uvurkhangai, Khovd, Khentii and Khuvsgul. These all-terrain vehicles are expected to improve the speed of provision of emergency services.

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