Over 20 families lose homes in W.Mongolia due to dust storms

ULAN BATOR - A total of 22 families lost their homes in the western Mongolian province of Khovd due to strong winds and dust storms, the National Emergency Management Agency reported on Monday.

In addition, five power lines and several roofs were taken down in the storms that hit western parts of the country last Friday, the emergency agency said.

At least 32 vehicles had their windows shattered due to the dust storms, it added.

Mongolia has four seasons. Strong winds, dust and snowstorms are common in spring in the country.

A total of 10 people, mostly nomadic herders, lost their lives due to heavy dust and snow storms that swept through large parts of Mongolia in mid-March.