Mongolia: Disruptions due to flooding ongoing across parts of Ulaanbaatar as of July 5

Event

Disruptions due to flooding are ongoing across parts of Ulaanbaatar as of July 5. Heavy rainfall since July 3 has caused rivers in and around the capital to rise and triggered flooding in at least seven districts of the city. Dozens of homes have been flooded, displacing hundreds of residents across the capital. Several roads have been closed due to the adverse weather, and authorities have cut power to some areas as a precaution. The Mongolian National Agency for Meteorology and Environment Monitoring (NAMEM) has forecast further showers and isolated storms in Ulaanbaatar through at least July 10.

Further sustained heavy rainfall could trigger additional flooding in low-lying communities near rivers, streams, and creeks. Urban flooding is also possible in developed areas with easily overwhelmed stormwater drainage systems. Sites located downstream from large reservoirs or rivers may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall. Landslides are possible in hilly or mountainous areas, especially where heavy rainfall has saturated the soil.

Authorities could issue mandatory evacuation orders for flood-prone communities over the coming days. Disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are possible where severe weather impacts utility networks.

The severe weather will likely contribute to transport disruptions throughout the affected area. Floodwaters and debris flows may render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in and around affected areas. Ponding on road surfaces could cause hazardous driving conditions on regional highways. Authorities could temporarily close some low-lying routes that become inundated by floodwaters.

Severe weather will also likely trigger flight delays and cancelations at airports. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are likely in areas with heavy rainfall and potential track inundation.

Localized business disruptions may occur in flood-hit areas; some businesses might not operate at full capacity because of damage to facilities, possible evacuations, and some employees' inability to reach work sites.

Advice

Monitor local media for updated emergency and weather information. Seek updated information on weather and road conditions before driving or routing shipments through areas where severe weather is forecast. Plan accordingly for potential delivery delays if routing shipments by truck through the affected area. Do not attempt to drive through flooded areas. Confirm flights. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.