12 August 2022 | UNDSS Comms

The National Statistics Office of Mongolia recorded 56 occurrences of 3.5 magnitude, or stronger, earthquakes in 2020 and reported 255 quakes in 2021. The number of occurrences had increased by eight times in the last decade, making Mongolia a seismic hazard zone. Although no disasters hit Mongolia recently, it is also one of the most disaster-prone countries in the world susceptible to dzuds (Mongolian term for when animals die in vast numbers following dry hot summers and icy winters), dust storms, drought, floods, and wildfires. UNDSS Mongolia, with the support from the Fire Department of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) led a disaster preparedness drill at Ulaanbaatar’s UN premises on 27 June 2022. The exercise aimed at strengthening emergency preparedness among different host country units and refreshing UN personnel’s awareness of emergency situations. 

The key to being safe during an earthquake is preparation. One of the fundamental messages that the security team in Mongolia conveys to its staff is that “Disaster preparedness begins with you and it is everyone’s responsibility. While an earthquake emergency kit will be of help after an earthquake, nothing replaces the conversations you have with your family members before a disaster happens.” 

The fire drill involved a simulation of life-saving techniques and fire extinguishing training. Through this exercise, 110 UNSMS personnel harmonized a multi-agency emergency response, communication, and coordination. Besides, through the exercise, the UN Mongolia fire safety plan was put at play while learning how to display earthquake preparedness stockpiling supplies. Over 30 first responders from the government (firefighters, ambulance doctors, and NEMA officers) attended. 

UNDSS Field Security Associate Ms. Bolorchimeg Bold organized it and Common Security Assistant Mr. Erdene Sodbileg facilitated it along with the UNRC’s Designated Official for Security Mr. Tapan Mishra. 

“While we hope and pray that we do not have a natural disaster, we must always be prepared to   respond most efficiently and effectively with lessons learnt from the valuable disaster preparedness training,” said Mr. Mishra.  
 
Comprehensive emergency plans help to ensure that communications, responders, resources, supplies, and shelters are made available when needed. It helps UN staff to learn what resources and supplies are in stock on UN premises.  “Be sure to identify safe places to meet. Practice ‘drop, cover, and hold’ with each member of your household. Know where the assembly area is in your neighbourhood. Scan your important documents and keep them in the flash drive,” says Ms. Bold. 

UNDSS Field Security Associate Ms. Bolorchimeg Bold organized the exercise while Common Security Assistant Mr. Erdene Sodbileg, UNRC’s Designated Official for Security Mr. Tapan Mishra and UNDSS Regional Security Adviser Mr. Sherif Messiha facilitated it.