The Ministry of Emergency Situations is strengthening the monitoring and early warning system for mudflow hazards in the highlands of the Almaty region
The Minister of Emergency Situations, Lieutenant General Genghis Arinov, got acquainted with the work of the modern monitoring and early warning system for mudflow hazards in the mountainous regions of the Almaty region.
One of the key directions was the implementation of the first project in Kazakhstan to equip high-altitude observation posts with autonomous residential modules. The head of the Ministry of Emergency Situations opened a new modular observation post house on the moraine lake of the Talgar River basin.
The module is designed for round-the-clock accommodation and service by seasonal observers of the State Institution "Kazselezashchita" of the Ministry of Emergency Situations, who monitor explosive moraine lakes. It is adapted to operation in high-altitude conditions, equipped with thermal insulation, all necessary equipment for work and recreation, as well as household amenities for a long stay of employees.
The creation of comfortable conditions allows seasonal observers to serve around the clock throughout the mudflow-prone period, ensuring continuous monitoring of the state of moraine lakes, timely identification of potential threats and prompt transmission of information for making necessary decisions.
As part of the further modernization of the monitoring system in the mountainous regions of Almaty and the Almaty region, 11 more insulated modular houses for seasonal observation posts are planned to be installed by mid-August.
Another important area was the introduction of automated monitoring. The Minister launched the work of four automated monitoring stations installed in the Talgar River basin.
The stations are designed for continuous monitoring of hydrological parameters and rapid identification of threats of mudflow processes. The equipment monitors the water level, the condition of mudflow-prone riverbeds and potentially explosive moraine lakes in real time.
The received data is transmitted to specialists of the State Institution Kazselezashchita to analyze the situation, assess risks and take timely preventive measures. In conditions of intense precipitation, active snowmelt and other unfavorable natural factors, the automated system can significantly reduce the time to receive information and increase responsiveness.
The installation of the stations is being implemented within the framework of the international GLOFCA project "Reducing the vulnerability of the population of Central Asia to the risks of glacial lake breakout in the context of climate change", implemented with the support of UNESCO and funded by the Adaptation Fund. The project provides for the creation of a modern surveillance and early warning system in high-altitude areas.
During the working trip, the Head of the Ministry of Emergency Situations also got acquainted with the progress of preventive work on moraine lake No. 19 in the Talgar River basin, where siphon systems have been launched.
The measures taken are aimed at reducing the risks of emergencies related to mudslides and improving the safety of the population, infrastructure facilities and territories exposed to mudflow hazards.