IFRC calls for aid for Mongolian herders www.nhk.or.jp
Red Cross officials are calling for emergency aid for nomadic herders in Mongolia who are facing a serious food shortage and livestock losses due to extreme winter conditions.
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, IFRC, made the appeal at a news conference in Beijing on Thursday.
Officials hope to collect about 650,000 dollars. They want to send cash to the families and help put their children up at school facilities.
They said that more than 70 percent of Mongolia is currently covered with snow, and the harsh weather has killed off many of the animals that herding families rely on for food.
The situation has been made worse by a summer drought that stunted the grasses that livestock feed on.
They said nearly 160,000 Mongolians have been seriously affected.
It's the second straight year that the landlocked Asian country has been hit by a severe cold spell. More than 1.2 million of the herders' animals died last winter.
IFRC officials warn that many of the herders may flood into the slums of the capital, Ulan Bator, seeking refuge.
Published Date:2017-02-17