News Category: Early Warning

GLOFCA installs risk information boards in Talgar and Esik, Kazakhstan

Written by Tomiris on December 4 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 the installation of risk information boards and hazard maps in the Talgar and Esik river basins, two of the project’s pilot sites.

Both rivers originate from the Ile-Alatau mountains and flow through several settlements, serving as important recreational and tourism areas. These territories are classified as high-risk zones due to the presence of moraine lakes, steep terrain, and frequent debris-flow activity.

To enhance public awareness and improve preparedness, GLOFCA installed warning signs and risk-map boards at each pilot site. The signs provide clear and accessible guidance for residents, hikers, and tourists on local natural hazards and recommended safety measures.

The glacier lake outburst flood (GLOF) risk maps were developed by experts from the University of Zurich. They modelled the potential impact zones under several scenarios. These maps serve as an important tool for local authorities, emergency services, and visitors to better understand and manage the risks.

The installation of the boards complements recent engineering and risk-reduction measures carried out under the GLOFCA project in Talgar and Esik, contributing to stronger community resilience and improved risk communication in the region.

Continuing Disaster Risk Education in Uzbekistan’s Mountain Villages

Written by Tomiris on July 31 2025.

In the middle of July 2025, the GLOFCA project returned to the pilot villages of Pskem and Tepar in Uzbekistan’s Bostanlyk District to continue building local knowledge on glacier-related hazards. This visit is part of GLOFCA’s ongoing work in the region, following previous activities in 2024, including the installation of weather monitoring stations and a lesson on mudflow safety.

Organized in partnership with the Glacial Geology Centre under the Institute of Geology and Geophysics, the Hydrometeorological Scientific Research Institute (NIGMI), and the Ministry of Ecology, the July visit focused on strengthening disaster risk awareness in schools and communities.

Educational sessions were held in schools No. 45 (Pskem) and No. 50 (Tepar), bringing together students, teachers, and residents to learn about natural hazards such as debris flows, avalanches, and glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs). The sessions included a multimedia presentation prepared by NIGMI, along with a documentary film on the 1998 Shakhimardan GLOF, a powerful example of the real impacts of such events. A drawing contest and online survey helped engage students in reflecting on disaster risks and preparedness.

The team also checked and adjusted the weather stations installed in both schools during the previous year, ensuring their continued functionality for local observation and learning.

To conclude the visit, the group conducted hydrometric and bathymetric surveys at the Uzungach Lake system, which feeds into the Pskem River. These data will support future planning for hazard monitoring and early warning.

Through sustained outreach and practical engagement, GLOFCA continues to support climate resilience and disaster preparedness in Uzbekistan’s high mountain regions.

GLOF seminars: Engaging communities in Issyk and Talgar

Written by Tomiris on November 27 2024.

On November 21 and 26, the GLOFCA team conducted seminars in Issyk and Talgar to improve local awareness and preparedness for glacier lake outburst floods (GLOFs). In the city of Issyk, 87 participants took part, of whom 67% were men and 33% were women. In the city of Talgar, there were 33 participants, with 64% men and 36% women.

Why Focus on Issyk and Talgar?

Both Issyk and Talgar are high-risk areas for GLOFs. Data from the “Kazselezashchita” reveals that the Talgar River basin is home to 21 moraine-dammed glacial lakes, seven of which pose severe risks. Annual debris flows linked to GLOFs often damage infrastructure and threaten lives. Similarly, the Issyk River basin has 25 moraine-dammed glacial lakes, with five considered highly hazardous.

As pilot locations for the GLOFCA project in Kazakhstan, these areas will benefit from targeted interventions. Early warning systems are planned for Talgar, while adaptive measures will be introduced in Issyk. A primary goal of the seminars was to involve locals in discussions about existing risks and proposed solutions.

Learn more about pilot sites in Kazakhstan

Expert Contributions

Specialists from Al-Farabi Kazakh National University (KazNU), “Kazselezashchita,” the University of Zurich, and emergency services of Yenbekshikazakh and Talgar districts shared their expertise:

Ainur Mussina, professor at the Department of Meteorology and Hydrology, KazNU, outlined the mechanisms and impacts of glacier lake outburst floods.
Baurzhan Abishev, Head of the Emergency Prevention Department at “Kazselezashchita,” detailed measures to mitigate GLOF risks in the region.
In Issyk, Zhanar Raimbekova, a researcher from the University of Zurich, presented affordable and effective adaptation strategies.
In Talgar, Amirkhan Temirbayev, Director of KazNU’s Center for Remote Sensing of the Earth, introduced the project’s planned early warning system.

Community Involvement and Practical Sessions

The seminars encouraged active participation from local residents, who shared their observations and provided feedback on the proposed initiatives. A hands-on activity, “Pack Your Emergency Kit,” helped participants better understand preparedness for emergencies. Participants received certificates upon completion.

Participants filling out the questionnaire

Strengthening Resilience

The seminars represented a crucial step in raising awareness and involving communities in building resilience against glacier lake outburst floods. Feedback and suggestions from residents will play a key role in shaping the next phases of the GLOFCA project in Kazakhstan.

GLOFCA Project Enhances Disaster Preparedness in Uzbekistan’s Pskem and Tepar Villages

Written by Tomiris on November 1 2024.

Rural communities across Central Asia face high risks from natural disasters like floods and landslides. Children and youth are especially vulnerable to these threats, which can severely impact mental health, leading to conditions like depression and anxiety. This highlights the importance of disaster preparedness in building resilience for future generations.

To address these needs, on October 28–29 the GLOFCA project team visited schools in the villages of Pskem and Tepar, Uzbekistan, which are the project pilot sites. The team included experts from the University of Zurich, Scientific Research Hydrometeorological Institute (NIGMI), the Institute of Geology and Geophysics, and SE “Uzbekhydrogeology.” These visits aimed to enhance disaster preparedness through interactive lessons and the installation of automated meteorological stations.

At Pskem School, the largest in the area with 113 students, the GLOFCA team delivered an open class on natural disaster risks. Leading hydrogeologist Ganisher Abdullaev from SE “Uzbekhydrogeology” introduced landslide science, helping students understand why and where these events occur, and which actions can help prevent or mitigate their effects. Following this, Zukhra Tillyakhodjaeva, Scientific Secretary at the NIGMI, led an engaging session on mudflows, distributing child-friendly booklets that outlined what to do before, during, and after a catastrophic event. Students eagerly participated, discussing which items are essential to carry in an emergency and the correct ways to act. To reinforce these concepts, they watched an animated video tailored to Uzbekistan’s most common disasters, such as landslides and floods.

Dr. Simon Allen from the University of Zurich then introduced the students to an automated meteorological station. He explained how weather data—particularly on rainfall, temperature, and humidity—can help predict and respond to landslides, which often occur after heavy rains in their region. He encouraged students to take part in maintaining the equipment by clearing it of snow and ensuring it stays connected to the internet, making them active stewards of local climate monitoring.

A similar session was held at Tepar School, reaching more students in the community with these essential lessons.

The new meteorological stations installed in each village allow students to monitor real-time data on temperature, humidity, wind speed, and other climate indicators, all accessible via an online platform. This data enables students to observe environmental changes that could affect natural disaster risks, enhancing their awareness and preparedness.

GLOFs Research Mission in Tajikistan

Written by Tomiris on September 18 2024.

From August 19 to 30, 2024, a field visit was conducted in Tajikistan to advance our understanding of glacier lake outburst floods (GLOFs). This mission, led by Dr. Evan Miles from the University of Zurich, involved collaboration with scientists from the Centre for Glacier Research of the National Academy of Sciences of Tajikistan. The visit aimed to assess the Baralmos Glacier and its associated lakes, introduce new monitoring equipment and enhance local scientific capacity.

The Baralmos Glacier: Importance and Challenges

The Baralmos Glacier in the Lakhsh district of eastern Tajikistan is a key site for studying GLOFs. The glacier’s lakes have a history of generating significant mudflows that impact downstream areas. These floods have caused severe disruptions to local infrastructure, including roads and settlements along the Surhob River. Understanding and monitoring this glacier is crucial for developing effective hazard mitigation strategies.

Work During the Field Visit

Assessment and Monitoring

During the mission, the team focused on evaluating previously established monitoring sites. They utilized two new pieces of equipment: a bathymetric surveying boat and ground-penetrating radar. The remotely operated boat with a sonar was used to measure glacier lakes’ depth. The team successfully surveyed 2 lakes 43 and 45 meters deep, providing essential data on water volume and lake dynamics. Ground-Penetrating Radar was employed to measure the thickness of the glacier ice. Accurate ice thickness data is vital for predicting the potential growth of glacier lakes and their associated flood risks.

The fieldwork also included a capacity-building component, where Dr. Miles trained local scientists from the Centre for Glacier Research of the National Academy of Sciences of Tajikistan on the operation and applications of these new tools. This training ensures that the local team will be able to conduct future assessments and contribute to ongoing monitoring efforts.

Scouting for Early Warning System (EWS) Implementation

In addition to the assessment activities, the team scouted potential locations for implementing an EWS. This system aims to detect and provide timely alerts for impending floods. The scouting process involved evaluating geographical and technical factors to identify optimal sensor placement and communication infrastructure.

Impact and Future Directions

The insights gained from this field visit will significantly contribute to the GLOFCA project. By enhancing our understanding of the Baralmos Glacier and its lakes, we can improve hazard prediction models and develop more effective mitigation strategies. Furthermore, the capacity-building efforts will strengthen local scientific capabilities, supporting long-term disaster risk reduction in the region.

The data collected and the knowledge shared during this mission will inform future research and aid in the development of resilient infrastructure and early warning systems, ultimately contributing to the safety and preparedness of communities in Tajikistan.