LocationsThe Government of Japan, UNDP and Cabinet of Ministries KR cooperate to strengthen the monitoring and forecasting avalanches
A new avalanche station starts operating in Dolon, Kyrgyzstan
May 12, 2023
12 May 2023 – Today a solemn ceremony was held to mark the start of the operation of the “Dolon” avalanche-monitoring station within the framework of cooperation between the Ministry of Emergency Situations of the Kyrgyz Republic, the Japanese Government, and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan, the UNDP Resident Representative, the Plenipotentiary Representative of the President in Naryn oblast, the Minister of the Emergency Situations, and the head of KyrgyzHydromet attended the ceremony in Dolon, Naryn region. The avalanche-monitoring stations will provide accurate real-time information and early warning to the public of the risk of avalanches which will ensure greater population security.
At the ceremony Mr.Boobek Azhikeev, the Minister of Emergency Situations emphasized that the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic takes measures to reduce the vulnerability of the country, the work is in progress on improving the regulatory framework, material and technical equipment, infrastructural measures on risk reduction with the support and assistance of development partners. He emphasized that “With the support of the Japanese Government and UNDP, we have achieved significant results in tracking and monitoring of avalanche activities in specific avalanche paths that can play a crucial role in preventing and minimizing negative impacts from disasters.”
Given avalanche hazards accounting for most of the natural disasters in mountainous area, robust hydrometeorological monitoring systems are needed to improve preparedness and mitigation measures. Therefore, with support of Japanese government, UNDP is assisting the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic in enhancing disaster response system and early warning capacity by completing the construction of two more avalanche stations: “Chapchyma” station - construction completed and “Bashky-Terek” station (Chatkal district, Jalal-Abad region). Completion of the construction works at Bashky Terek station is scheduled for this summer. In addition, within the framework of the project, all stations are equipped with the necessary metrological and meteorological equipment for the full operation.
Louise Chamberlain, UNDP Resident Representative in the Kyrgyz Republic
UNDP
During the ceremony, Ms. Louise Chamberlain UNDP Resident Representative in the Kyrgyz Republic emphasized that “The avalanche monitoring station will be able to save lives and protect critical infrastructure that contribute to the sustainable development efforts. By investing in advanced technologies and infrastructure, sharing knowledge and resources, and building strong partnerships, we can create a safer, more resilient future”.
The Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to the Kyrgyz Republic Hideki Goda
UNDP
The Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to the Kyrgyz Republic Hideki Goda noted that “The Government of Japan praises and supports Kyrgyzstan’s efforts to work on disaster risk reduction issues. These efforts are especially represented by the resolution to declare 2023 – 2027 as “Five Years of Action for Development of Mountain Regions” adopted at last year’s United Nations General Assembly, at the initiative of Kyrgyzstan”
The establishment of avalanche monitoring stations is initiated under the project “Strengthening Integrated Risk Governance Capacities of the Kyrgyz Republic and Regional Cooperation in Central Asia” funded by the Government of Japan.
More about the project is available here.
