The Red Cross has put out an appeal for nearly $1 million to aid Mongolian livestock owners gravely affected by a summer drought and a hard winter.
The aid organization said Monday that an estimated 4.5 million animals - nearly a tenth of the country's livestock - have died in harsh winter conditions. The group says many herders have lost their entire flocks and are in a desperate state.
The Red Cross said the last time such a weather pattern occurred was about ten years ago. Many of those affected then moved to the capital, Ulan Bator, to look for work but met with little success.
The French News Agency quotes the Red Cross as saying the funds will be used for food and non-food relief, assistance with diversifying livelihoods, health education on issues such as treating frostbite, and support for depression and stress.
Some information for this report provided by AFP and Reuters.
