A brutal winter in Mongolia has turned into a real-life ‘Game of Thrones’ nightmare for herders, with over 667,800 livestock deaths reported this season. The extreme weather phenomenon, locally known as ‘dzud’ (think ice + snow apocalypse ), is wreaking havoc across the country, threatening livelihoods and food security.
Mongolia’s National Emergency Management Agency revealed Monday that eastern provinces like Sukhbaatar and Dornogovi are among the hardest-hit regions, with thousands of animals—critical for survival in nomadic communities—perishing daily.
Dzud occurs when heavy snowfall and freezing temperatures prevent animals from grazing, creating a ‘survival of the fittest’ scenario. With climate change intensifying these events, experts warn this could reshape Mongolia’s pastoral traditions and ripple through global wool and cashmere markets.
Local herders, who’ve endured dzuds for generations, say this winter feels like a ‘black mirror’ version of their worst fears. Meanwhile, authorities are scrambling to deliver hay and vaccines—but can they outrun Mother Nature? Stay tuned.
), is wreaking havoc across the country, threatening livelihoods and food security.
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