Risk Management

Kazakhstan

26 November 2025

In Almaty Region, the project “Reducing vulnerabilities of populations in Central Asia region from glacier lake outburst floods in a changing climate” (GLOFCA), implemented by UNESCO with support from the Adaptation Fund, has completed a set of restoration works in the Esik River basin, one of the project’s pilot sites.

The Esik River is fed by the Ile Alatau glaciers, and its upper reaches contain the high-mountain Yesik Lake, a major tourist destination. Despite its scenic landscape, the area is classified as highly prone to mudflows and GLOFs. The upper basin contains moraine-dammed lakes and potential initiation zones, while downstream lies the city of Esik with a population of more than 40,000 people. The town has already experienced tragic events: a major debris flow in 1967 resulted in loss of life.

To protect the city, a system of ten low-pressure dams was built on the river in 1988. In 2022, a severe flood led to the filling of debris-retention basins and to partial dam failures. A 2025 assessment by Kazselezaсhita identified washed-out slopes, damaged dam sections and fully silted basins, requiring urgent restoration to prevent further degradation. Considering the population density in the lower basin, timely reinforcement of the protective structures was essential.

As part of the GLOFCA project’s complementary measures, a set of engineering works was carried out jointly with Krystroy LLP and Kazselezaсhita.

At low-pressure dam No.1, 3,300 m³ of debris was removed, the concrete structure was reinforced and the retaining wall restored. At dam No.4, more than 3,000 m³ of large stone material was excavated and relocated, the slopes were stabilized with a one-metre stone layer and the riverbed was levelled. These interventions restored the dams’ discharge capacity and reduced the risk of further erosion.

According to Erik Barangaziyev, Director of Krystroy LLP, the works were carried out to enhance the safety of the city of Esik and increase the resilience of protective infrastructure to future floods and mudflows.

In addition, four warning signs and one information board with a mudflow hazard map were installed in the Esik basin. These help raise awareness among local residents and tourists about natural hazards and recommended safety measures.

The reconstruction works have been completed. The reinforced protective structures are now ready to safely pass floodwaters during periods of increased risk.