A. Situation analysis

Description of the disaster

Flash floods occurred across the country at different scales due to prolonged heavy rains from June 28 to July 29. Rainfall averages 46 to 60 millimeters across the country. Flash floods and heavy rains severely affected 1,549 households in seven provinces (Arkhangai, Umnugovi, Orkhon, Dornogovi, Govi-Altai, Uvurkhangai, Tuv). Disaster Response Teams (BDRTs) from branches in the affected areas immediately conducted on-site situation, needs and damage assessment and exchanged information with MRCS headquarters in a timely manner.

According to the situation analysis, Umnugovi province was the hardest hit by torrential rains and devastating flash floods on 24 July. According to the local MRCS branch, the local emergency management agency received 274 rescue calls, while search and rescue operations assisted 397 people. No casualties were reported.

Flash floods damaged power substations, while parts of the capital of Umnugovi and counties of Khankhongor, Khanbogd, Gurvantes, Nomgon and Tsogttsetsii are still without power on July 29. Currently, 20 employees of the Southern Region Electricity Distribution Network company are working to repair the damaged stations. Heavy rains on July 24 also caused severe flash flooding in Govi-Altai province, where, tragically, five people died and six households saw their gers destroyed.

According to the National Meteorology and Environmental Monitoring Agency, due to heavy rains, most rivers in Mongolia have water levels 10 to 120 centimeters above normal, and they are expected to rise further.

Prolonged rains across the country are affecting both urban and rural areas of Mongolia. In Ulaanbaatar, the capital of Mongolia, some areas were badly damaged and overwhelmed by heavy rains, causing massive stress among the citizens. There are some old bridges, roads and avenues in Ulaanbaatar which were built without sewage system and these bridges, roads and avenues are most badly affected. The Water and Sewerage Authority is taking action to recover rain damage and drain the water.