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Mongolia: Spring Fire - Apr 1996

Status
Past
Countries
Mongolia
Disaster types
Wild Fire

DHA/UNDP Resident Coordinator in Ulaanbaatar reports that fast and fierce spring fires have affected a large part of the country. Over 30 steppe areas have been hit in the provinces of Dornod, Khentii (eastern part), Bulgan, Selenge (north-central part) and Tuv (central part). In Dornod, one person is reported dead and one in critical condition. Two thirds of Dashbalbar county in Dornod was burned-out. Thousands of cattle have been killed. As of 17 April, in Dornod and Tuv provinces, fires have been extinguished. In Khentii, Selenge and Bulgan provinces, fires are still burning in many areas of steppe and forest. (UN DHA, 18 Apr 1996)

The government of Mongolia has issued an appeal for international assistance for fighting the huge spring fire and providing relief to the victims. Forest and steppe fires which started late February and rapidly spread into a large area of northern half of Mongolia have now burnt 3 million ha of forest and 5 million ha of pastureland. 5 persons are dead, 16 seriously injured. More than 300 persons have been left homeless. More than 4,000 persons have been mobilized to fight fires. (UN DHA, 26 Apr 1996)

As of 25 April, more than 130 fires had broken out in 12 provinces, which are home to some 371,400 people or 16.6 per cent of the total population and 5.7 million heads of livestock which are 19.9 per cent of the country total. According to reports from the Mongolian standing emergency commission, so far the fires damaged 30,000 sq. Km of forest area (17.1 per cent of national total) and 50,000 sq. Km of pasture land (4.2 per cent of total). Latest reports indicate that as of 29 April, 72 fires are still burning in 13 provinces. 13 persons were killed, 34 injured and over 700 people left homeless. 5,000 heads of livestock perished. (UN DHA, 29 Apr 1996)

On 3 may 1996 the State Emergency Commission reported that 46 fires were still burning and 71 spots had been brought under control in 13 aimags. According to the latest information the situation is particularly difficult in Huvsgul, Bulgan, Arkhangai, Khentii, Tuv, Dornod and Uvs aimags. Though some precipitation was recorded in some areas in the last two days, the weather conditions are likely to remain unfavourable during the next 10 days. (UN DHA, 3 May 1996)

There has been no sign of improvement of the situation. Due to the unusually dry weather, fires still continue to break out. The latest report indicates that, as of 27 May, the total number of fires had now reached 340 (53 increase since 9 May) with 38 spots still burning out of control in Tuv, Bulgan, Selenge, Huvsgul, Arkhangai, Zavkhan and Uvurkhangai aimags. An additional 100 fires were still burning but under some control. 202 fires had been extinguished. About 8,500 local residents, 150 parachutists, 900 military service-men and police-men as well as over 200 vehicles/machineries were involved in fire-fighting. Helicopters and airplanes have been used to battle the fires. The situation is more difficult in Huvsgul, Selenge and Zavkhan aimags which are rich in forest resources. Additional military and police forces had been transferred to those areas. The field headquarters of the Civil Defence Board has been established in Huvsgul aimag. (UN DHA, 29 May 1996)

The government reported that the emergency situation is now over. As of 17 June, 383 wildfires in the territories of 14 provinces of Mongolia had been completely extinguished. Nevertheless, the government informed all parties to remain on alert as there is still a danger of renewed outbreaks of fire and several days of rainfall will be required to minimize the danger of new outbreaks. (UN DHA, 19 Jun 1996)