Kyrgyzstan surveys high-mountain lakes for flood risk assessment

Kyrgyzstan's Ministry of Emergency Situations has conducted an aerial survey of high-mountain lakes on the northern slopes of the Kyrgyz mountain range to assess potential flood risks. The survey involved the ministry's head, Kanatbek Chynybayev, specialists monitoring natural hazardous processes, and scientists from the University of Central Asia.

During the survey, several high-mountain lakes with a high risk of mudflows were examined. These include Keidi-Kuchkach, Chong-Tor, Adygine, Ak-Sai, Salyk, Kulboto, Chelek-Tor, Chirkanak, At-Jailoo-Shamshy, Kol-Tor, Tuyuk-Jar, Komorchok-South, Kol-Ukuk, Zindan, and a newly formed lake in the upper part of Shamshy.

Specialists evaluated the condition of the high-mountain lakes, glaciers, and moraine dams. They also studied the volume of accumulated water, the state of riverbeds, and water accumulation basins, collecting photographic and video materials. Specific areas requiring special monitoring were identified.

Minister Chynybayev noted that climate change is increasingly impacting the condition of high-mountain lakes and glaciers. The results of the survey will be used to clarify the state of hazardous natural processes, assess flood risks, and implement timely preventive measures.

The ministry emphasized that understanding these risks is crucial for mitigating potential disasters in the mountainous regions of Kyrgyzstan.