Bishkek, July 1, 2025. /Kabar/. There are currently about 2 thousand high-mountain lakes in Kyrgyzstan, of which 368 are considered potentially dangerous due to the risk of a breakthrough, Director of the Department for Monitoring and Forecasting Emergencies of the Ministry of Emergency Situations Daurbek Sakyev told Kabar Agency.
According to him, high-mountain lakes can disappear or reappear depending on weather conditions. If we look at the regions, the largest number of potentially dangerous lakes are located in the Issyk-Kul region - 168, in the Chui region - 73, the rest are in the Naryn, Osh and Jalal-Abad regions.
“Lake breakthroughs most often occur from the end of June to the end of August. This is due to the active melting of snow and glaciers during this period, resulting in the formation of temporary lakes that can overflow and break through. Therefore, in April, we begin monitoring such lakes. First, remote monitoring is carried out using satellite images, then - inspection from helicopters,” Sakyev explained.
He also noted that in order to prevent emergency situations, a special working group is created annually under the Ministry of Emergency Situations and a corresponding order is issued.
“This year, the working group has already been formed. We plan to examine 67 high-mountain lakes. In the near future, our specialists will go to the sites to conduct research. All the necessary equipment has already been prepared. With their help, we will measure the depth and volume of the lakes, draw up bathymetric maps, determine the level of dams and conduct scientific analysis. Based on the results, special reports and recommendations will be prepared,” he added.
In addition, Sakyev reported that at the moment the state of most dangerous high-mountain lakes is stable.
“Since mid-June, we began monitoring using satellite images. With the exception of Lake Takyr-Tor, the rest are in a stable state and correspond to the climate norm. In the event of a threat, the population will be warned in advance. Our technical base is ready, and depending on the situation, the necessary measures will be promptly taken on the ground,” he concluded.