Karli Edmondson
Posted: Monday, February 8, 2010 11:04 am

Red Cross experts have warned that half of Mongolia's livestock could be wiped out by the coldest winter in memory.

Up to 20 million farm animals could die from exhaustion and starvation, leaving millions of families without food.

The poorest herding families have insufficient food supplies to last the winter, and have taken out high interest loans which they will not be able to pay back, in order to pay for animal food.

Otgon Jargal, a mother of a three month old baby, said: "We have no skills. Our lives depend on our livestock. How can I look after my child when all the animals have died?"

Thousands of people in remote villages have not been heard from since heavy snow cut off communication. Air force helicopters are performing search and rescue operations in hope of rescuing survivors.

The Mongolian government has appealed for food, medicine and animal food to combat one of the country's worst natural disasters.