Mudflows in Kyrgyzstan's Batken Region Cause Over 20 Million Som in Damage
Translated from Russian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
TLDR
- Floods in Kyrgyzstan's Batken region caused over 20.8 million som in damages in April and May.
- Affected areas include Leylek, Batken, and Kadamjay districts, as well as the city of Kyzyl-Kiya, damaging homes and infrastructure.
- Cleanup and disinfection of affected homes are complete, and evacuated residents have returned, with two families temporarily rehoused.
The recent heavy rains and subsequent mudflows in Kyrgyzstan's Batken region have inflicted significant damage, with preliminary estimates placing the total cost at over 20.8 million som. This natural disaster has impacted several districts, including Leylek, Batken, and Kadamjay, as well as the city of Kyzyl-Kiya, leaving a trail of destruction to residential buildings and essential infrastructure.
The total damage from mudflows that occurred in April and May this year in the Batken region amounted to 20 million 800 thousand som.
Authorities have been working diligently to address the aftermath. Cleanup operations and disinfection of damaged homes have been completed, and residents who were temporarily evacuated to safer locations have now returned to their residences. However, the situation remains challenging for two families whose homes were rendered uninhabitable; they have been provided with temporary accommodation in available housing.
All affected homes have already been completely cleaned, and disinfection work has been completed.
The regional administration, under the leadership of the presidential envoy, convened a meeting to discuss the ongoing response and preventative measures. The focus was on mitigating risks during the spring-summer period, preventing casualties, and minimizing material losses. Special attention was given to the recovery efforts following the mudflows, which were triggered by intense rainfall from April 30 to May 5.
Residents who were temporarily evacuated to safe areas have returned to their homes.
Looking ahead, emergency services have been put on high alert, with directives to maintain readiness of resources and personnel to respond swiftly to any further warnings or emergencies. This proactive stance is crucial, especially with forecasts of continued rainfall between May 7 and May 12. The region, particularly the Ak-Tatir rural area in the Batken district, experienced severe impacts, leading to a state of emergency declaration earlier. The scale of the disaster necessitated the evacuation of 149 people, with approximately 50 homes flooded and nearly 10 more experiencing water intrusion.
Two families whose homes became unusable for living have been temporarily accommodated in free residential premises.
Originally published by 24.kg in Russian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.