11 October 2023, Bishkek – Today a solemn ceremony was held to mark the start of the operation of the “Chapchyma” and “Chatkal” avalanche-monitoring stations 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 Deputy Minister of the Emergency Situations, Head of State administration of Chatkal district attended the ceremony in Chatkal district, Jalal-Abad 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. Edelbek Kulmatov, the Deputy 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.”

The Government of Japan recognizes the critical importance of disaster risk reduction and safety in avalanche-prone regions, aligning with its commitment to international cooperation. By supporting the Government of Kyrgyzstan in enhancing avalanche monitoring and forecasting capabilities, the Government of Japan aims to build resilience against natural disasters and mitigate their impact on communities.

The Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to the Kyrgyz Republic Hideki Goda noted that “The Government of Japan has provided support for climate change countermeasures in the Central Asian region through UNDP, including the establishment of three avalanche monitoring stations in Jalal-Abad and Naryn oblasts, that are amounted of 1.17 million USD in total. The first one is the station at Dolon path in Naryn oblast which I visited in May. This “Chapchyma” station is the second avalanche station that is opened within this project. The Government of Japan is willing to continue support in this area.”

Given avalanche hazards accounting for most of the natural disasters in mountainous areas in winter, robust hydrometeorological monitoring systems are needed to improve preparedness and mitigation measures. Building an integrated disaster risk monitoring system becomes of paramount importance to ensure greater human security and institutional and operational cohesion. It necessitates a comprehensive approach, which requires the betterment of both institutional arrangements and logistical infrastructure.

Therefore, UNDP has been supporting the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic in enhancing the disaster monitoring system and early warning capacity by constructing and launching of three avalanche monitoring stations, including these two in the Chatkal district and one in Dolon in Naryn region launched earlier this year. In addition, all stations are equipped with the necessary metrological and meteorological equipment for the full operation.

During the ceremony, Ms. Alexandra Solovieva UNDP Resident Representative in the Kyrgyz Republic emphasized that “These avalanche stations are the significant results of our joint efforts that lead to make communities more sustainable and safe. I believe that cooperation can strengthen disaster risk response and prevent emergencies, including avalanches and hydrometeorological hazards.”

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.