Number of natural disasters in Kyrgyzstan constantly growing

Bishkek, Nov.19, 2019. /Kabar/. From 2011 to 2018, the number of natural disasters averaged 260, Kanat Abdrakhmanov, Director of the Climate Finance Centre of the Kyrgyz Republic said at the High-Level International Donor Conference.

He said an average of 123 facts are statistically recorded from 1991 to 2000, from 2000 to 2010 there is an almost doubling of the number of emergencies - 235.

“At the same time, the growth trend continues. The increase in the number of emergencies has continued and in the period from 2011 to 2018 the figure was 260 cases. Thus, the annual damage from emergency situations is $6 million, and $2 million from landslides,” he said.

According to Abdrakhmanov, the most vulnerable sector of the economy is water issues.

“This is due to the melting of glaciers, lack of drinking water, and the link to hydropower potential. As a result of melting of glaciers and other aspects, the damage amounted to $815 million. In particular, losses in agriculture as a result of land degradation and food security will amount to $70 million, for natural capital as a result of depletion and loss of biodiversity - $100 million, and for health - $110 million. In addition, in recent years, there has been an increase in the number of natural disasters,” he said.

Kanat Abdrakhmanov added about 6.5 million people could be exposed to climate change risks.

“In this regard, the implementation of mitigation and adaptation measures is becoming relevant," he concluded.