RELEASE

OF

THE SPECIAL COMMISSION

FOR

FIRES IN MONGOLIA


The first fires broke out on Febrary 23rd 1996 in the province of Dornod. From April 10th onwards they have been spreading becouse of the drought and sudden heat-wave. 90 sum (districts)belonging to 12 aimak (regions), out of Mongolia's 21, are currently being devastated by about 130 different fires, of which 34 have not get been circumscribed. 371,400 people (16.6% of the total population) live inthe area affected by the fires, with over 5.7 million livestock (19.9% of the total). The area in which the fires have broken out includes 30,000 sq. kms of forest (17.1% of Mongolia's forest) and over 50,000 sq. kms of steppes (4.2% of grazing land). 4,000 men and over 200 vehicles are involved in fire-fighting, and have used 1,611 tons of fuel. According to an early estimate, in the Aimak of Dornod, Khentii, Selenge, Khovsgol and Uvs 56 families have lost everything in the fires, which killed 5 people and caused serious injuries to another 16. Over 3,000 people are now homeless. 30 stables, 2,500 livestock, 70 tons of fodder and 10 centres for pumping water from wells are also lost. The environment has suffered relevant damage, estimated at 936 billion togrog (1,8 billion US$) for forest destruction, and 12 billion togrog (24 million US$) for the destruction of grazing land. The population is being rallied in an effort to fight the fires and evacuate families and livestock from affect areas. According to the weather forecasts, May will be just as dry, with little rain. It is therefore necessary to double prevention and controlling measures in the affected areas. Help is urgently needed from friendly countries and international institutions.
:
EQUIPMENT NEEDED FOR FIRE-FIGHTING:
  1. 3,000 extinguishers
  2. 4,000 noses
  3. 10 water pumps
  4. 500 parachutes
  5. 500 aid parachutes
  6. 500 UHF radios
  7. 100 low frequency radios
  8. 860 tons of fuel (petrol)
  9. 600 tons of aircraft fuel (Kerosene)
  10. 400 tons of aircraft petrol
  11. 710 tons of gasoline

FOR FIRE-FIGHTING VOLUNTEERS AND FIRST AID FOR FIRE VICTIMS:
Ulaanbaatar, April 26th 1996


MORE INFO ABOUT

FIRES IN MONGOLIA

According to the report drawn up on May 4th 1996, this spring there have been 275 fires in Mongolia, which have killed 16 people and injured over 60. 154 families are homeless, fires have also destroyed 358 stables, 1,667 telegraph poles, 32,900 sq.kms of forest and 50,000 sq.kms of grazing land. Over 370,000 people live in this fire area, as well as almost 6 million livestock. The U.N., Great Britain, the U.S., Korea, China, Japan and Germany have sent financial aid, which was used by the Republic of Mongolia to purchase fire-fighting equipment.

Ulaanbaatar, May 8th 1996


EMERGENCY AID

The Italy-Mongolia Association, in co-operation with the Mongol Consulate in Italy, is raising funds to give emergency aid to the people of Mongolia who have suffered from the fires. The aim is to raise 60,000 US$ to buy Mongol yurts for homeless families. If you wish to make a contribution, please use the postal account No

26656108

in the name of the Associazione Italia - Mongolia. ( please write "Aid for Mongolia" on payment slip)


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