He noted that there is a lack of snow in the Chui region and Bishkek, however, in some areas, the snow cover exceeds the norm by 150-170%.
“Such early warming may lead to intense snowmelt, which in turn could provoke mudflows and activate landslides,” he added.
According to the deputy minister, rainwater absorbed into the soil makes it heavy, creating a risk of landslides in dangerous areas. The Department of Monitoring and Forecasting has already informed local authorities and emergency services about the forecasts.
Approximately 4,000 potentially dangerous areas have been identified in the republic, where about 4,000 families reside. Of this number, 2,500 families who received land plots for relocation and loans over the years of independence have not actually relocated.
Azamat Mambetov explained that many people have built houses on the allocated plots, but they continue to live in their old places, citing the convenience of caring for livestock and emotional attachment to their native lands. Citizens sign receipts in which they waive claims against the authorities in the event of a landslide.
The deputy minister emphasized that the Ministry of Emergency Situations does not have the authority to enforce relocation. The agency has reached out to law enforcement agencies with questions for citizens who received land for resettlement to determine the reasons for their unwillingness to leave dangerous areas, despite the proposed conditions. He also noted that such decisions endanger not only the lives of the citizens themselves but also their families, including children and grandchildren.
Additionally, he reported that Kyrgyzstan is experiencing a period of low water levels.
According to data from Kyrgyzhydromet, the snow cover in the basins of the Naryn River exceeds the norm by 150-170%, which is a positive factor for filling reservoirs. However, in the Chui region, in the basin of the Chu River, the snow level is below normal, which may maintain the situation of low water levels.
The final forecasts for water supply for the summer season will be presented by Kyrgyzhydromet in March, the deputy minister noted.
