Mongolia: Snowstorm - Feb 2026

The snowstorm event started since 21 February 2026 across multiple provinces in Mongolia, particularly affecting eastern, northern, southern, and western regions, including Bayanhongor, Darkhan-Uul, Orkhon, Dornod, Dornogovi, Dundgovi, Govi-Altai, Khentii, Khuvsgul, Selenge, Sukhbaatar, Umnugovi, Tuv, Khovd, Uvs, and Zavkhan provinces. The storm brought sustained winds of up to 31 m/s, heavy snowfall, drifting snow, and extreme cold reaching –48°C. These conditions resulted in blocked roads and mountain passes, widespread mobility disruption, and life-threatening exposure risks. While immediate impacts were recorded during the storm period, 24 February marked a critical escalation in humanitarian consequences.

Livelihood impacts escalated significantly by 24 February. Authorities reported that 89,934 livestock had strayed during the storm; 52,199 were confirmed missing, of which 24,017 were recovered, while 28,182 remain unaccounted for. In addition, confirmed livestock mortality directly attributed to the storm exceeded 4,900 head.

[...] By 24 February, cumulative reports confirmed multiple fatalities linked to exposure and storm-related incidents. Additional individuals sustained cold-related injuries requiring hospitalization, including a child diagnosed with second-degree frostbite. Five fatalities were confirmed due to exposure and hypothermia, including herders who became lost during snowstorms. More than 100 people, including adults and children, were rescued after becoming stranded, lost, or trapped in snow, and numerous emergency calls were registered for snow entrapment, missing persons, and vehicle breakdowns. A total of 56 people were reported injured in relation to the event. (IFRC, 4 Mar 2026)