The National Agency Meteorology and the Environmental Monitoring reported that water levels in major rivers and lakes across Mongolia, including those in populated areas, have risen significantly, causing extensive flooding. As of 4:00 p.m. on August 6, the Tuul River had exceeded dangerous flood levels by 10-35 cm near Ulaanbaatar City and Altanbulag soum of Tuv Province, and by 85 cm near Lun soum of Tuv Province. The public was warned about these increases. Additionally, the water level near Zaamar soum of the province has risen by 90 cm which is above the long-term average. The Kherlen River in Undurkhaan soum of Khentii Province, has also shown significant increases, exceeding dangerous flood levels by 81 cm, which is notably high according to meteorologists.
Moreover, Balj, Barkh, Khalkh, Khurkh, Onon, Orkhon, and Ulz rivers have reached dangerous levels and are experiencing flash floods. Meanwhile, the Kharaa and Eg rivers have surpassed flood levels by five to 35 cm. It was estimated that the water level of the Tuul River decreased by 15-20 cm near the capital city and Altanbulag soum of Selenge Province, but it was forecasted to rise by another 10 cm near Lun soum again.
In response to these, the Deputy Governor of Ulaanbaatar City overseeing the Social Sector, Green Development, Air and Environmental Pollution, L.Khosbayar held a meeting with representatives from relevant city departments and the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change. They discussed pressing environmental issues and explored potential solutions. Key discussion points included the rising water levels of the Tuul River and its tributaries, the progress of water accumulation projects, soil pollution, the use and protection of green zones, and the management of stray dogs and cats. They also covered the protection of wildlife in green areas, waste management strategies, and green transition initiatives, such as involving ger district families in renewable energy and water accumulation projects through green financing and loans.
Moreover, the Secretary of the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, E.Battulga said, “Based on the discussions during the meeting, we have decided to promptly assess and address urgent environmental issues in compliance with environmental protection laws. We also discussed the need to revise costs associated with forestry, green spaces, and water valuation. In addition, we explored installing automated water meters and level sensors on the upper reaches of the Tuul River to enhance flood and water hazard risk management.”
L.Khosbayar noted again that “It is necessary to prioritize and address urgent issues promptly. These include flood prevention, soil and forest fire prevention, and controlling the spread of natural focal infectious diseases. Immediate decisions will be made on green transition and financing issues as they arise.”
The meeting concluded with a consensus to improve interagency coordination and expand collaborative efforts. This cooperation aims to effectively tackle these environmental challenges and implement necessary measures swiftly and efficiently.
