Tajikistan Braces for Glacier Avalanches in Mountainous Regions

The Tajik Agency for Hydrometeorology has issued urgent warnings for the period from July 25 to 28, highlighting the risk of glacier avalanches in the western parts of the Mountain-Badakhshan Autonomous Region, as well as in the foothills and mountainous zones of Sughd Region and other republic-controlled districts.

Meanwhile, strong winds reaching speeds of 12 to 22 meters per second are expected to sweep through Khatlon Region, Dushanbe, and other areas, causing increased levels of airborne dust pollution, including harmful particulate matter, The Caspian Post reports, citing Tajik media.

The highest concentration of dust is anticipated on July 27.

Tajikistan is currently enduring an intense heatwave with daytime temperatures climbing up to 46°C, particularly in the southern regions like Khatlon. This extreme weather has exacerbated the frequency and severity of dust and sandstorms, which have surged from a few episodes annually in the early 1990s to as many as 35-45 events per year today.

The escalating air pollution poses serious health risks and economic challenges. A recent World Bank study estimates that PM2.5-related mortality in Tajikistan is 78 deaths per 100,000 people, the second highest rate in Central Asia.

Authorities urge residents to take precautions amid these hazardous environmental conditions.