On September 28-29, heavy precipitation caused a sudden drop in temperatures and led to disaster-level weather events in several provinces, as reported by the National Agency Meteorology and Environmental Monitoring. For instance, in Arkhangai Province, seven millimeters of wet snow fell on September 28, while Khentii Province experienced between five and 18 millimeters. Dundgovi saw eight to 22 millimeters, and Umnugovi recorded 26 to 38 millimeters of wet snow, reaching levels classified as dangerous weather events. Additionally, the eastern part of Umnugovi received 18 to 51 millimeters of rain, and Sukhbaatar had rainfall between 32 and 75 millimeters, resulting in hazardous conditions. Furthermore, 25 to 39 millimeters of rain fell in the southern part of Dornogovi Province, also classified as dangerous weather.
In some areas of the western provinces, as well as in most parts of central, eastern, and southern regions, 97 millimeters of rain was recorded the day before. The biggest size of precipitation was reported in Sukhbaatar Province. The agency indicated, “Last night, a disaster-level weather event occurred in Sukhbaatar Province, resulting in significant rainfall, with the highest recorded at 75 millimeters in Asgat soum.”
In Baruun-Urt soum of Sukhbaatar Province, it was reported that on September 28, torrential rain caused flooding in residential homes and the basements of multiple buildings, with a total of 11 emergency calls received by the provincial emergency services. One house, four buildings, and six apartments on the first floor were submerged. To drain the water, they cleaned eight drainage pipes in public areas and constructed drainage ditches in several streets. Additionally, continuous rain in the capital city caused water to leak from the roof of the First Central Hospital’s reception area.
Due to the heavy rainfall, there were reports of flooding on two sections of the road between Sainshand and Zamiin-Uud, specifically at the 576-577 km markers. The Road and Transportation Development Center also warned of icy conditions and limited visibility on the road from Tsetserleg soum of Arkhangai Province to Tosontsengel soum of Zavkhan Province.
Moreover, according to preliminary forecasts for October, the average air temperature and precipitation in most areas are expected to be around the long-term average. The weather is anticipated to be unstable with frequent deterioration, including strong winds, during the first half of the month. It is expected to be colder than average in Uvs, Zavkhan, the northeastern part of Govi-Altai provinces, and the northern regions of Bayankhongor Province. In central provinces, average air temperatures are projected to be colder than the long-term averages across the entire region. In eastern provinces, Khentii Province is expected to be colder than the long-term average, while other areas will be around the average.
Last week, it was reported that 78 emergency calls related to hazardous events and accidents in eight districts of the capital city and 29 soums across 18 provinces were recorded nationwide. Emergency responders successfully saved the lives of eight individuals; however, four people lost their lives due to these accidents. Of the total calls received, 56 were related to fires, 13 were associated with human activity, and nine were due to flooding. In particular, on September 28 and 29, cold weather accompanied by heavy, wet snow led to flooding of households in various areas. In particular, in Baruun-Urt soum of Sukhbaatar Province, many homes and basements were submerged due to torrential rain on that Saturday. The provincial emergency services received six calls related to rain and snow within a single day, working for over nine hours to pump out 1,800 tons of water.
In Tsogttsetsii soum of Umnugovi Province, there were reports of flooding in residential homes, yards, and organizations, with 20 calls made regarding these incidents. Emergency services managed to ensure the safety of 17 families and three organizations that had been inundated. Additionally, in Dalanzadgad soum of Umnugovi Province, continuous rainfall over two days led to flooding of households and offices. In Khanbogd soum, the Undain River overflowed, with citizens continuously reporting cases of flooding. Therefore, the emergency management agency has warned residents to consider alternate routes due to impassable roads.
