MEDIA RELEASE
Released By:
Patterson
"Australia will send urgent assistance to Mongolia to counter the onset of widespread food shortages after Mongolia experienced one of its harshest winters in recent history," Senator Patterson announced today.
"The International Federation of the Red Cross has estimated that up to 1.8 million animals have died, which poses a severe risk to over 300,000 people in 13 provinces of Mongolia. The harsh winter has destroyed the main food source for Mongolia's rural population with reports that many households have lost 60 to 70 per cent of their herds," she said.
Mongolian herders have been devastated by the loss of their animals, through a combination of heavy snowfalls and starvation. Last year Mongolia suffered from drought followed by a plague of rats that destroyed much of the grasslands on which the herds of sheep, cattle and horses depend. Then the onset of severe, early winter snowfalls has led to the worst winter this region has experienced in decades.
"Mongolian herders traditionally store food for the bleak winter months. These food stocks are expected to be exhausted within the next two weeks and much of the remaining livestock is not expected to survive through the spring," Senator Patterson said.
The Australian Government is responding to this urgent need for emergency assistance through the International Federation of the Red Cross. Through the Australian Government Overseas Aid Program, Australia will provide $100,000 to the IFRC, specifically for food, clothing and some fodder for animals.
Herders will receive flour, rice and millet for food. Clothing and candles will also be distributed as herders have lost their main source of heating, which is animal dung.
PLEASE NOTE: PHOTOS ARE AVAILABLE
Media contacts:Louise Ahern (Senator Patterson's office)
02 6277 3800/ 0409 034 403
Fionna Douglas (AusAID)
02 6206 4960 / 0412 804 489