Overflow and ice accumulation have been reported across 14 flood control infrastructure sites in Ulaanbaatar City. The Agency for Land Administration and Management, Geodesy, and Cartography has mobilized its teams to address the issue, working tirelessly to slow the flow of groundwater, relocate vulnerable households, construct drainage channels, and use collected ice to form temporary embankments. Alongside these efforts, excess ice is being transported for removal to mitigate further risks.
In some areas, critical tasks such as clearing passages and maintaining flood-prone culverts and bridge structures are being carried out manually, as machinery cannot be deployed effectively in these conditions. At the same time, the agency is regularly monitoring water levels at bridge structures throughout the city, with recent measurements revealing a 30-centimeter rise in the Selbe River.
Overflow and ice build-up have impacted several districts. In Songinokhairkhan, the Tolgoitiin Suvag area in the 19th khoroo and the vicinity of Naran River in the 35th khoroo of the same district are grappling with flooding. Emergency services in this district have delivered notices to 25 households at risk, urging them to relocate immediately to safer areas. Meanwhile, in Chingeltei District, flooding has disrupted the third drainage channel in Denjiin Myanga, the embankment in Khailaast, and flood control structures in the 18th khoroo. In Sukhbaatar District, rising water levels near the ninth khoroo have prompted coordinated efforts to contain the situation.
D.Ariunbaatar, an operations engineer at the agency, shed light on the causes behind this growing problem. He explained that heightened rainfall during the summer months has significantly increased groundwater levels and revived previously dormant natural springs, streams, and brooks. These environmental changes, coupled with human activities like construction that disturb underground water flows, have made even previously unaffected areas susceptible to flooding. He added that groundwater tends to migrate toward warmer zones, meaning households equipped with underfloor heating or wall stoves face heightened risks during the heating season.
Authorities are urging residents to exercise caution and avoid acquiring land in areas known for frequent overflow or natural spring activity. Homeowners in flood-prone zones are strongly advised to adhere to safety recommendations and consider temporary relocation where necessary.
The current crisis highlights the growing challenges posed by environmental changes and human impact on natural water systems. While the agency and emergency services are working to address the immediate situation, sustainable, long-term solutions are urgently needed to prevent recurring disasters. As climate patterns become increasingly erratic, collaboration between the public and government agencies will be essential to mitigate risks and safeguard the capital city against future environmental threats.
