Uzbekistan Issues Warning for Heavy Rains and Mudflow Threat

Heavy rains forecasted for April 7–9 in the foothill and mountainous regions of Uzbekistan may trigger mudflows and flood phenomena. The warning was issued by Sherzodkhuja Khabibullakhuja, Director of the Uzbekistan Hydrometeorological Service (Uzhydromet). He emphasized that intensified precipitation could lead to water and mud streams from mountain slopes, potentially causing significant damage to agricultural lands, roads, and residential buildings.

Areas at risk include districts in the Kashkadarya, Surkhandarya, Samarkand, Navoi, Jizzakh, and Tashkent regions, as well as parts of the Namangan, Fergana, and Andijan regions. According to Uzhydromet, flooding is possible in some areas due to rainwater accumulation, particularly in low-lying zones. Specific mention was made of the cities of Angren and Almalyk in the Tashkent region being under threat.

Experts urge strict adherence to the warnings, with recommendations for the public to avoid hazardous zones and evacuate if necessary. The Uzbek authorities have stated that emergency services are on standby for alerting and providing assistance. This incident could test the effectiveness of the country's natural disaster response system, highlighting ongoing vulnerabilities in infrastructure and preparedness.

The threat of rains and mudflows poses serious challenges to Uzbekistan's agriculture and infrastructure. Past similar events have caused substantial crop damage and disrupted transportation networks. The current warnings aim to call for public vigilance and measures to minimize potential impacts, underscoring the need for robust disaster management strategies in the region.

Source: podrobno.uz