Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — Uzbekistan has recorded 420 mudflow events since the beginning of 2026, causing damage to residential buildings, agricultural land, roads and bridges, according to the Agency for the Operation of Water Management Facilities.
The mudflows brought 844 million cubic meters of water into the country's water bodies, of which 361 million cubic meters were collected in reservoirs.
Authorities allocated 41.3 billion soums for measures aimed at improving the safety and technical condition of hydraulic infrastructure.
Namangan region recorded the highest number of mudflow incidents, with 224 cases. Jizzakh region reported 53 incidents, while Kashkadarya and Surkhandarya regions each registered 38.
The mudflows damaged 85 residential buildings, 208 household plots and agricultural land areas, 10 vehicles, 13 bridges, 26 streets and roads, and three social and other facilities.
The agency cited an incident on 2 May in Balandchakyr village, located in Jizzakh region's Yangiabad district, as an example of measures taken to prevent damage.
During the incident, mudflow waters were diverted into a stream channel and safely discharged, preventing damage to residential buildings.
Specialized emergency services and equipment were also deployed to address the consequences of mudflows that occurred in Ferghana region in May.
Uzbekistan has established round-the-clock monitoring at reservoirs, major hydraulic facilities, pumping stations and other critical water infrastructure.
Operational response teams and coordination centers have been formed to address potential threats and ensure the reliable operation of hydraulic structures.
In March, specialists from the Ministry of Water Resources, the Ministry of Emergency Situations, law enforcement agencies and other government bodies inspected high-risk facilities, bridges and mudflow protection structures.
Following the inspections, measures were identified to address the deficiencies discovered.
Under the 2026 programme, authorities plan to reconstruct 3.5 kilometers of canals and 13 hydraulic structures across 20 facilities, as well as reinforce 11.2 kilometers of riverbanks and shorelines.
Local automated warning systems have been installed at 17 reservoirs, while 83 seismic monitoring devices have been deployed at 16 reservoirs to improve safety.
A total of 96 measures have been implemented to improve the technical condition of 47 water storage and mudflow retention reservoirs.
Emergency material reserves have also been prepared, and an action plan covering 2026–2027 has been approved.
Additional measures focus on preventing accidents at water facilities.
Authorities have installed 455 warning and prohibition signs at 65 reservoirs, along with another 4,109 signs along major canals.
Canal safety infrastructure has also been expanded with the installation of 574 access ladders, 221 lifebuoys and 371 rescue ropes.
In selected areas, 12.4 kilometers of protective fencing have been constructed.
At the community level, preventive meetings and public awareness activities are being conducted in mahallas with the participation of rescue workers, law enforcement officers and representatives of local administrations.
Residents are being informed about the risks associated with mudflows and flooding, safety rules near water bodies and appropriate actions during emergencies.
With autumn rainfall increasing the risk of hazardous weather conditions, relevant services continue monitoring weather forecasts and promptly communicating official warnings to the public.
Authorities advise residents to follow instructions issued by emergency services whenever a mudflow or flood threat arises.
In an emergency, citizens should call 112.
