Kyrgyzstan has witnessed an alarming rise in mudslides, with over 240 cases reported between April and July 2024, according to the Ministry of Emergency Situations (MES). This surge in natural disasters has claimed at least 17 lives, predominantly children, and caused widespread destruction across various regions.
Tragic incidents include a 10-year-old boy who was swept away by a mudslide in Nooken district of Dzhalal-Abad on June 17, and a 5-year-old boy who perished in Batken region on June 24. Further, on June 28, mudflows in Noookat district of Osh resulted in the deaths of nearly 10 people, mostly children and teenagers. Another devastating event occurred on July 14 in Osh, where a woman, three children, and a market worker lost their lives.
Mudslides have not only taken lives but also destroyed roads, bridges, and homes, causing severe financial damage estimated at over 170 million som (nearly $2 million) between April 20 and July 1.
Climate Change: The Driving Force Behind Mudslides
Akylbek Mazaripov, Deputy Minister of Emergency Situations, attributes the increase in mudslides to climate change and excessive rainfall. He emphasized that Kyrgyzstan, being a mountainous country, is particularly vulnerable to such disasters. The number of mudslides this year has significantly surpassed those in previous years, with over 240 occurrences compared to just 33 last year.
Experts like Olga Strizhantseva from the National Academy of Sciences highlight that climate changes have been affecting Kyrgyzstan since the mid-1970s, with rising temperatures and shifting weather patterns. The mean annual temperature has increased by 1.5-2.5 degrees Celsius since 1990, leading to more intense and earlier seasonal floods.
The combination of heavy spring precipitation and rapid snowmelt in the mountains has exacerbated the situation, turning water runoff into destructive mudflows. Strizhantseva notes that while such natural phenomena existed before, their frequency and intensity have grown due to climate change.
Women and Children: The Most Vulnerable to Climate Change
The impacts of climate change and natural disasters disproportionately affect women and children, who often lack access to vital information and decision-making opportunities. Akylai Muktarbek kyzy, a gender expert for the UNDP, stresses that this inequality hinders their ability to prepare for, respond to, and recover from natural disasters.
Women and children are more susceptible to health issues exacerbated by climate change, such as respiratory and cardiovascular diseases due to rising temperatures and poor indoor air quality. Additionally, during emergencies like mudslides, cultural norms often limit women’s mobility, making evacuation more difficult.
Economic inequality further deepens their vulnerability, as women typically have fewer resources and savings, making it harder to recover from climate-related losses. Single mothers and female-headed households are particularly at risk, bearing the responsibility for the well-being of their families.
Need for Comprehensive Solutions
To mitigate the risks and protect vulnerable populations, a multifaceted approach is necessary. Akylbek Mazaripov advises following MES recommendations and building homes in safe areas away from mudflow-prone zones. Raising awareness about climate risks and adaptation measures through public centers, schools, and media is crucial.
Experts also advocate for strengthening sustainable agriculture and rural development programs, providing farmers with access to resilient crops and modern irrigation techniques. Additionally, enhancing women’s participation in decision-making and ensuring equitable access to resources are vital steps towards building more resilient communities.
As climate change continues to challenge Kyrgyzstan, the integration of gender perspectives into adaptation policies becomes increasingly important. Ongoing research and awareness campaigns are essential to developing effective strategies that protect the most vulnerable and harness the potential of women as agents of change in the face of climate adversity.