Kyrgyzstan: Disruptions due to flooding and landslides ongoing across several parts of the country as of April 25

Disruptions due to flooding and landslides are ongoing across many parts of Kyrgyzstan as of April 25. Heavy rainfall has been ongoing in the region since April 20, triggering flooding and mudflows in several areas. Officials reported 67 mudflows across the country, with the worst affected areas in parts of Jalal-Abad, Osh, and Talas regions; authorities have declared emergency situations in parts of these regions. Authorities have reported one fatality due to a landslide and one other person died due to being struck by lightning. In Jalal-Abad Region around 300 people have been evacuated due to the threat of mudflows. Around 300 homes were affected by flooding and mudflows in the village of Myrza-Ake, Uzgen District, Osh Region late April 23. Damage to roads and other infrastructure has been reported in affected areas. Sections of the Bishkek-Osh road have been disrupted due to mudflows. Further showers are forecast across Kyrgyzstan over the coming days; additional downpours will likely exacerbate the flood situation and hamper ongoing response and recovery efforts.

Further sustained heavy rainfall could trigger additional flooding in low-lying communities near rivers, streams, and creeks. Urban flooding is also possible in developed areas with easily overwhelmed or a lack of stormwater drainage systems. Sites downstream from large reservoirs or rivers may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall. Landslides are possible in hilly or mountainous areas, especially where the soil has become saturated by heavy rainfall. Power outages could occur throughout the affected area.

Additional heavy rainfall will likely contribute to transport disruptions throughout the region. Traffic and commercial trucking delays might occur along regional highways. Flooding downpours could inundate some low-lying roads in areas with poor drainage. Strong winds might also pose a hazard to high-profile vehicles. Hazardous weather conditions might cause flight delays and cancellations at airports in the region.

Disruptions triggered by inclement weather and resultant hazards, such as flooding and mudflows, could persist well after conditions have improved; it could take days before any floodwaters recede and/or debris is cleared. If there is severe damage to infrastructure, repair or reconstruction efforts may result in residual disruptions.