Launch of Two Avalanche Stations in Chatkal Region
New Avalanche-Monitoring Stations Opened in Kyrgyz Republic
Bishkek, 11 October 2023 – In a momentous event, the Kyrgyz Republic, the Japanese Government, and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) celebrated the inauguration of the Chapchyma and Chatkal avalanche-monitoring stations. These stations are a result of the collaborative efforts of the Ministry of Emergency Situations of the Kyrgyz Republic, the Japanese Government, and UNDP.
The ceremony, which took place in the Chatkal district of the Jalal-Abad region, was attended by the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan, the UNDP Resident Representative, the Deputy Minister of Emergency Situations, and the Head of State Administration of Chatkal district.
The primary purpose of these avalanche-monitoring stations is to provide accurate and real-time information to the public, enabling early warnings of potential avalanches. This initiative aims to enhance population safety and security in the Kyrgyz Republic.
Speaking at the event, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to the Kyrgyz Republic, Hideki Goda, highlighted Japan’s commitment to climate change countermeasures in the Central Asian region. He mentioned that Japan, through UNDP, has generously supported the establishment of three avalanche monitoring stations in the Jalal-Abad and Naryn regions, with a total funding of $1.17 million. The Chapchyma station is the second avalanche station opened under this project, following the one at Dolon path in the Naryn region.
“The Government of Japan is willing to continue support in this area,” emphasized Ambassador Hideki Goda.
The establishment of these avalanche monitoring stations is part of the project “Strengthening Integrated Risk Governance Capacities of the Kyrgyz Republic and Regional Cooperation in Central Asia,” which is funded by the Government of Japan. This project aims to enhance the overall risk management and disaster response capabilities in the Kyrgyz Republic.
With the operation of the Chapchyma and Chatkal avalanche-monitoring stations, the Kyrgyz Republic takes a significant step towards mitigating the risks associated with avalanches and ensuring the safety of its population. This collaborative effort between the Kyrgyz Republic, the Japanese Government, and UNDP sets an example of effective international cooperation in confronting the challenges posed by natural disasters.
