Struggling Shepherdesses and Wintry Woes in Mongolia and Northern China
Mongolia's harsh winter has claimed the lives of several shepherdesses as well as a man and a young boy while looking for their herds outside. According to the Mongolian Emergency Management Agency, these unfortunate souls lost their lives in the storms that hit the central provinces of Öwörchangai and Erdenesant. Situated between Russia and China, this area has a population of 3.3 million people and an expanse four times larger than Germany.
Dangerous Winter Predictions for Northern China
Meanwhile, in northern China, the weather authority issued a warning of heavy snowstorms, with the provinces of Heilongjiang, Jilin, Liaoning, and Inner Mongolia being the most affected. The central weather authority predicted up to 30 centimeters of fresh snow locally and advised people to avoid spending time outside as much as possible.
Schools and Flights Canceled as Snowfall Disrupts Daily Life
As a result of these warnings, kindergartens and schools in several districts of Heilongjiang were closed on Monday. Around 24,000 workers were sent to clear the snow-covered streets of Harbin, a city with a population of 5.2 million. The airport in the city had to cancel dozens of flights, and highway ramps were closed in other provinces. In the capital city of Beijing, the authorities had to turn on the heating a week earlier than planned.
The Weather's Bitter Brutality in China
The heavy snowstorms in northern China, as predicted by the weather authority, coincided with the Weather's harsh Winter conditions. Despite the warning, the provinces of Heilongjiang, Jilin, Liaoning, and Inner Mongolia continued to be battered by STORMS, resulting in significant disruptions.
Enrichment Insights
Causes
- Cold Wave: A substantial cold wave has gripped China, with numerous regions experiencing their lowest temperatures of the season.
- Siberian High-Pressure System: The Siberian high-pressure system, a dominant force in the cold seasons, pushes cold airflows and significantly influences the winter atmosphere in central and eastern China.
- Extreme Weather Conditions: The severe cold spell has strained agricultural production in regions like Shandong, where local authorities are employing advanced technologies like AI, IoT, and 5G to mitigate the impact of extreme weather on greenhouses.
Effects
- Power Supply Issues: In Shandong, local authorities are ensuring the safe operation of power lines by patrolling power lines and using advanced technologies like AI, IoT, and 5G to protect agricultural production.
- Agricultural Strain: The cold spell has strained agricultural production in Shandong, particularly in Shouguang, a major vegetable production base. Measures include clearing drainage channels around greenhouses and reinforcing them with thermal insulation blankets.
- Transportation Disruptions: The transport sector in Beijing has implemented measures to ensure safe travel amid strong winds and low temperatures, including switching to manual operation for subway services and reducing speeds for buses on mountainous and highway routes.
- Livestock Fatalities in Mongolia: A dzud, a natural disaster unique to Mongolia, has resulted in the loss of millions of livestock due to extreme cold and heavy snow preventing livestock from accessing food.
- Meat Shortages: To mitigate the impact of the dzud, the Mongolian government has decided to stockpile at least 10,000 tonnes of livestock meat to ensure a steady supply for residents during the spring season.
These insights into the causes and effects of the severe winter in both China and Mongolia reveal the significant challenges faced by both countries, from public safety and agricultural production to economic stability. The enrichment data underscores the impact of the cold wave, Siberian high-pressure system, and extreme weather conditions on various regions in China and Mongolia.
