Ministry of Emergency Situations steps up disaster prevention during summer heat

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — The Ministry of Emergency Situations (MES) of Uzbekistan has intensified its emergency prevention measures to counteract risks associated with the severe summer heatwave. During a press conference on 7 July 2026, ministry officials outlined initiatives aimed at mitigating the risks of fires, mudslides, and water-related accidents, while also presenting an operational summary for the first half of the year.

As part of the "Actual 60 Days" program, the MES is conducting supplementary preventive operations tailored to the heightened danger of landscape fires and the soaring load on electrical grids caused by the widespread use of air conditioners and cooling equipment.

According to data provided by the ministry, proactive measures successfully halved the total number of emergency situations in the first half of the year, dropping from 49 to 22 cases. The corresponding number of fatalities decreased from 100 to 90 people, while injuries fell from 132 to 68.

The MES identified the burning of stubble and agricultural waste by farmers preparing cleared fields for secondary sowing as a primary driver of seasonal fires. Furthermore, experts noted that up to 75% of domestic blazes occur during the night, when residential power grids experience peak sustained loads.

Overall, the total number of fires across the country fell by 12% in the first half of the year, amounting to 4,558 incidents. The fire-related death toll dropped to 33, and injuries decreased to 39. To counter wildfire hazards, emergency rescue services are clearing dry vegetation from roadsides and strengthening monitoring protocols in forested zones and public recreational areas.

Concurrently, the country experienced a dramatic surge in mudslide and flash flood incidents. Approximately 300 mudslides were recorded over the six-month period, compared to just 51 cases during the same timeframe last year. This included an unprecedented mudslide in the Navoiy region, which according to MES historical tracking, was the most severe witnessed in the area in 75 years.

On water bodies, the number of drowning fatalities decreased from 91 to 82.

The ministry also announced that 160 billion soums have been allocated from the state budget for riverbank reinforcement and coastal protection works in 2026. In response to changing climate conditions, funding for these specific protective measures is projected to expand to 250 billion soums in 2027.