March 11 marked a significant milestone in disaster monitoring and forecasting with the introduction of a cutting-edge IT module designed for Glacier Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) monitoring, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Kyrgyzstan reported.
The unveiling took place within the framework of the “Reducing Risks and Vulnerabilities from Glacier Lake Outburst Floods (GLOF) and Mudslide in Kyrgyzstan through Strengthening the National Disaster Monitoring System and Communities’ Adaptive Capacity” project. The event drew attendees from various ministries, international organizations, and projects, including representatives from the Ministry of Emergency Situations of the Kyrgyz Republic (MES KR), the Embassy of Japan in the Kyrgyz Republic, and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Kyrgyzstan.
Kyrgyzstan faces the threat of more than two thousand glacial lakes experiencing outbursts, with nearly 20% posing a high risk due to the instability of natural dams and melting ice. This threat, directly linked to permafrost degradation, endangers populations, infrastructure, and the environment. The most recent significant flood caused by a high-mountain glacial lake outburst occurred on July 8, 2022, in the Jeti-Oguz district of the Issyk-Kul region.
Against the backdrop of escalating environmental concerns, the unveiling of the newly developed IT module, part of the Unified Information System for Monitoring Glacier Lake Outburst Flooding Risk, symbolizes a proactive step towards safeguarding communities and ecosystems from the devastating impact of natural disasters. This innovative module integrates AI technology, employing a machine learning process, to enhance forecast accuracy, providing timely and crucial information for effective risk mitigation, which has been done for the first time in disaster monitoring and forecasting in the country.
Mr. Hideki Goda, Ambassador of Japan to the Kyrgyz Republic, expressed Japan’s commitment to supporting disaster prevention and mitigation efforts, and stated, “This innovative system exemplifies the power of collaboration in disaster prevention and mitigation efforts, not only in Kyrgyzstan but also across the region.”
“Reducing Risks and Vulnerabilities from Glacier Lake Outburst Floods (GLOF) and Mudslide in Kyrgyzstan through Strengthening the National Disaster Monitoring System and Communities’ Adaptive Capacity” project aims to minimize the risks and vulnerabilities associated with potential disasters related to glacial lake outbursts and subsequent floods, ensuring the protection of local communities. The project’s implementation is made possible within the Climate Promise Initiative through the financial support of the government of Japan via the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
