As of 1 September, no signs of a threat of moraine lake outburst or the formation of a major mudflow in the Aksai river basin have been recorded in Almaty. The situation is being monitored by the Ministry of Emergency Situations (MES).
WHAT THE MES REPORTED
According to Kursiv, the mudflow risk situation in Almaty is under constant monitoring. Specialists are tracking the condition of the dam, the riverbed, mudflow-prone areas, slopes and mudflow sources.
For observation purposes, 10 year-round and 11 seasonal posts are in operation. In addition, 31 stations of an automated monitoring system are operating in the basins of the Kishi Almaty, Ulken Almaty, Kargaly and Aksai rivers.
WHAT IS KNOWN ABOUT THE AKSAI DAM
The Aksai mudflow-retention dam is 85% complete. The facility is currently in a state of preservation while the design and estimate documentation is being revised.
The MES is also pumping water out of moraine lakes down to safe levels. These operations are being carried out amid continuous monitoring of the mudflow risk situation.
The Ministry reported that as of 1 September it sees no signs of a threat of a major mudflow forming in the Aksai river basin. This includes areas potentially affecting Nauryzbai, Auezov and Alatau districts of Almaty.
CONTEXT
A recent tragedy on the border of Nepal and China, where a powerful mudflow led to loss of life and destruction of infrastructure, has sparked discussion about the safety of Almaty. Social media users have begun to question how well protected the metropolis is against such natural threats.
On 1 July, residents of part of the Nauryzbai district of Almaty were temporarily evacuated due to the threat of mudflows. People were temporarily accommodated at reception points for residents set up on the basis of schools in the district. The cause was forecast heavy rainfall in the mountainous area and the risk of mudflow formation.
Later, residents and visitors of the Almaty, Zhambyl and Zhetysu regions were advised to take precautionary measures due to the threat of mudflow events and rising river water levels.
