Although rivers and lakes have developed a solid ice cover, conditions are not yet safe for walking, driving, or transporting vehicles across the ice. Over the past weekend, the National Emergency Management Agency received reports of two accidents involving broken ice.

In Khuvsgul Province, a truck carrying six passengers on “Tsengel” Lake in Tunel soum fell through the ice. Fortunately, all passengers made it safely to shore. Emergency personnel from the provincial search and rescue unit responded promptly and managed to pull the “Kia Bongo-3” truck from the lake, approximately 10 meters from the shore. Another vehicle, a “Toyota Probox,” located around 280 meters from the shore, could not be retrieved due to thin ice, and recovery operations have been temporarily suspended.

Similarly, in Uvurkhangai Province, a passenger car carrying two people fell through the ice on the “Orkhon” River in Khujirt soum. Both passengers reached safety, and the provincial search and rescue team responded to assist.

Since the beginning of the year, emergency services nationwide have responded to 23 cases involving broken ice on rivers and lakes, successfully rescuing 22 lives and recovering 16 vehicles.

Meteorological authorities also warn that sudden rising temperatures in many areas will lead to inconsistent ice formation across rivers and lakes. Consequently, residents, herders, and transport operators are strongly advised not to walk or drive on ice-covered bodies of water, as doing so poses serious risks to life, health, and property.

Even where ice appears solid, conditions remain unsafe for any form of transportation. Authorities emphasize that ignoring these warnings could result in life-threatening accidents, and urge the public to exercise caution and avoid crossing ice until it is officially deemed safe.