Mongolia, 4th Time in the Country 🇲🇳

01/12/18 04:55

In September 2017, I had the incredible opportunity to return to Mongolia—one of my favourite countries in Asia. This time, my visit was twofold: participating in a large-scale earthquake simulation exercise organised by the Mongolian Red Cross and visiting remote communities where humanitarian projects were being implemented to assist those affected by dzud, the devastating winter disaster unique to Mongolia.

Our journey took us to Öndörchaan, a town in eastern Mongolia, where we had the chance to meet with local residents and learn first-hand about the impact of the Red Cross initiatives in response to the dzud. The resilience of the people we spoke to was truly inspiring; they faced the harsh conditions of extreme winters with remarkable strength and resourcefulness, adapting to the ongoing challenges with the support of humanitarian aid.

The field trip to Öndörchaan was an adventure in itself. As we travelled by car across the vast Mongolian steppe, we witnessed the country’s stunning and ever-changing landscapes—rolling green hills slowly giving way to dry, windswept plains. Along the way, we saw nomadic herders with their livestock, traditional gers (yurts) dotting the horizon, and the occasional sight of majestic eagles soaring above us. Herds of yaks, sheep, and goats grazed on sparse vegetation, and we passed by small roadside stalls selling local dairy products, including the famed fermented mare’s milk, airag.

Driving across Mongolia is a humbling experience; the immensity of the land makes you feel small, yet at the same time, it fills you with a profound sense of freedom. We made several stops to take in the beauty of the endless steppe, meet local herders, and enjoy the traditional hospitality that Mongolia is famous for—always welcomed with a bowl of hot suutei tsai, the salty milk tea that warms you up in the cool autumn breeze.

After our visit to Öndörchaan, we returned to Ulaanbaatar, where the earthquake simulation exercise was taking place. The event brought together government agencies, humanitarian partners, and community volunteers, all working together to test and strengthen Mongolia’s emergency response capabilities. The exercise was held on the outskirts of the capital, in an area resembling a peri-urban settlement, giving the scenario a realistic touch. It was an excellent opportunity to assess response coordination, logistics, and community involvement in disaster preparedness.

Throughout my time in Mongolia, I was once again reminded of why I love this country so much—its breathtaking landscapes, its warm and hospitable people, and its unique blend of tradition and modernity. Each visit leaves me with a deeper appreciation for the challenges faced by Mongolian communities and the incredible efforts being made to support them in building resilience against natural disasters.

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Mongolia, 4th Time in the Country 🇲🇳