National disaster response team assessed the winter condition in provinces.

NDRT members assessed the winter condition in Zavkhan, Khuvsgul, Arkhangai and Uvurkhangai provinces between 28 to 31st December.

In the frame of assessment, team members visited to herding families and had meetings with local government officials in affected soums. Winterization in those provinces are getting worse in many soums already, for example 80% of the Zavkhan territory has been covered by thick snow.

Herders are not well prepared for Dzud, due to bad summer in 2012. Provinces collected no more than 50% of reserve hay out of which they must collect. 22-40% of hay and 15-25% of fodder from state hay fund has already been used at the end of December.

Coping strategy differs for different herding families. Younger and new families with limited herding experience can be hit by dzud the most.

Families who has capacity including man power and herding experience potentially can pass over the dzud with small loss, only if condition will stay as today’s.

State hay fund and soum safe fund resource is limited for demand from herders, also information on procedures of supply from those funds lacks for herders.

Local government almost has taken no measures, due to long lasting electoral issues. Some herders started selling and slaughtering lambs before they die or get worse during next months for cheaper price. Many mountain passes have been blocked by extreme snow, however local NEMA officials have big effort to keep them open.

Hay, fodder, medicine for animals, warm clothes, warm and good quality boots for herders, fuel for heating are identified by the most needed items by our assessments. Disaster management program and NDRT of MRCS is developing proposal for further action.