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Extreme Weather

Extreme Heat Warps Roads Across Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan is experiencing widespread road damage due to an intense heatwave, with asphalt and cement concrete surfaces warping in both southern and northeastern regions of the country. The national road operator KazAutoZhol has stated that such deformation is a normal response to extreme heat conditions. Air temperatures have soared above 35°C across most regions, prompting meteorologists to advise residents to avoid going outdoors during peak daylight hours. The most affected areas are inter-city highways, where the heat has caused significant stress on infrastructure. The first reports of road warping emerged from the Pavlodar Region in northeastern Kazakhstan. On June 13, local authorities conducted emergency repairs at kilometer 1,265 of the Astana-Shiderty-Pavlodar-Uspenka-Russian border highway. Concrete slabs had buckled following a sharp temperature increase to 33-35°C. Notably, this highway is a toll road, and the damage drew criticism from motorists. Shortly thereafter, similar issues were reported in the south. On June 19, KazAutoZhol announced repairs on the Shymkent, Uzbekistan border highway, specifically at kilometer 763, another toll section. The pavement there had deformed due to air temperatures reaching 40-45°C. On the same day, further damage was reported on the Astana-Pavlodar highway in central Kazakhstan, where several consecutive days of temperatures between 32-35°C contributed to the melting and lifting of concrete slabs. "Cement concrete pavements are particularly sensitive to sudden temperature changes," experts from KazAutoZhol explained. "In hot conditions, the slabs expand. If gaps between them are insufficient or joints are compromised, internal stress can cause the slabs to suddenly lift, a phenomenon commonly referred to as a 'blow-up.' This is typical in regions where daytime temperatures exceed 35°C, which includes much of southern and central Kazakhstan." KazAutoZhol also cited similar challenges in other countries, noting that in the United States, states like Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Illinois report comparable incidents nearly every summer. The organization operates under the Ministry of Transport of Kazakhstan, which recently saw a leadership shake-up. In mid-May, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev reprimanded then-Minister Marat Karabayev for multiple failings within the transport sector. Karabayev was dismissed in early June, and his deputy, Maksat Kaliakparov, was appointed acting minister. As previously reported by The Times of Central Asia, construction began this month on the strategic Center-West highway corridor, part of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR), a key freight link connecting China and Europe via Kazakhstan.

Climate Change

Artificial Glacier Technology to Support Kyrgyz Farmers Amid Climate Change

Artificial glacier technology is emerging as a promising solution to help Kyrgyz farmers adapt to the growing challenges of climate change. By enhancing irrigation efficiency and ensuring a more reliable water supply, these innovations aim to strengthen the resilience of mountain communities dependent on agriculture. The technology was the focus of a roundtable discussion held on June 17 in Bishkek, titled “Technical Solutions for Improving Water Availability in Irrigation Systems for Mountain Communities in Kyrgyzstan Under Climate Change.” At the event, Oleg Guchgeldiyev, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Representative in Kyrgyzstan, presented a new FAO initiative to develop and expand artificial glacier infrastructure in the country. The project is being implemented in partnership with the Ministry of Water Resources, Agriculture and Processing Industry of Kyrgyzstan. With natural glaciers rapidly retreating due to global warming, water scarcity during the summer months has become a critical concern for Kyrgyz farmers. Artificial glaciers, engineered ice structures formed in winter and melted during warmer periods, offer a low-cost, scalable method of ensuring water availability during the growing season. “Artificial glaciers are not just a technological solution,” Guchgeldiyev said. “These innovations serve as a pillar of resilience for rural communities in a changing climate. Such projects strengthen food security and promote long-term agricultural development.” How the Technology Works The FAO’s “Glacier - Reservoir - Farmer” system combines artificial glaciers with small water reservoirs and modern irrigation methods such as drip systems. Water is collected from mountain springs and funneled through a pipeline to a vertical outlet pipe, 10 to 15 meters high. The elevation difference generates pressure that sprays water into the air. In winter, this spray freezes, gradually forming an ice cone. In summer, the stored ice melts and is directed to nearby reservoirs, from which it is distributed to fields for irrigation and livestock use. “Location is critical for glacier construction,” noted Matraim Jusupov, an FAO expert in agriculture and water management. “On average, one artificial glacier can supply water for 300 to 500 hectares of land.” The integration of reservoirs and pipeline systems minimizes water loss and enhances distribution efficiency, improving crop yields and rural livelihoods. Early Implementation and Expansion Kyrgyzstan already has over 30 artificial glaciers, with early projects implemented in the Uzgen, Kochkor, and Aksy districts. As previously reported by The Times of Central Asia, In autumn 2024, seven more artificial glaciers were constructed in villages across the Batken region as part of the FAO’s broader climate adaptation strategy. These initiatives are part of Kyrgyzstan’s growing efforts to modernize its water infrastructure and build resilience against the intensifying impacts of climate change on its agriculture-dependent economy.

Environment

Biopesticide Trials in Kyrgyzstan Pave Way for Greener Locust Control

Between June 10 and 13, Kyrgyzstan conducted a national trial of biological pesticides in the northern Chuy region, marking a step forward in the country’s push toward environmentally responsible locust management. The trial was led by the Ministry of Water Resources, Agriculture and Processing Industry with support from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), and funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and FAO’s own resources. The initiative is part of the broader “Programme to Improve National and Regional Locust Management in the Caucasus and Central Asia (CCA),” which aims to shift countries away from reliance on chemical pesticides. According to the FAO, biopesticides, particularly those using the Metarhizium acridum fungus, are emerging as an effective, selective alternative to chemical treatments. These biological agents target locusts and grasshoppers without harming humans or non-target species such as pollinators, birds, and aquatic life. Kyrgyzstan regularly faces locust threats from two species: the Moroccan locust and the Italian locust. Both are capable of rapid reproduction and forming large swarms that can severely damage crops and pastures. “Biological pesticides offer a safer alternative for controlling locusts before they reach crisis levels,” said Oleg Guchgeldiyev, FAO Representative in Kyrgyzstan. “They are especially useful for fragile ecosystems. Continued testing will enhance scientific and technical capacity, paving the way for a more resilient agricultural sector.” Field trials are a critical step toward integrating biopesticides into national locust control strategies. The urgency of the initiative is underscored by recent government data. As previously reported by The Times of Central Asia, the Ministry of Agriculture surveyed 114,000 hectares earlier this month and found locusts present on nearly two-thirds of the land. More than 74,000 hectares have already been treated with pesticides. The infestation has been particularly severe in southern regions, where early harvest cycles and warm temperatures create ideal conditions for locust breeding. By embracing biopesticides, Kyrgyzstan hopes to reduce environmental risks while maintaining effective pest control, balancing agricultural productivity with ecological responsibility.

Transport

Bishkek’s Tender to Convert Trolleybuses into Electric Buses Fails, Again

For the second time, a municipal tender in Bishkek aimed at converting trolleybuses into electric buses has ended in failure. According to the Kyrgyz public procurement portal, no bids were submitted for the project, which offered 4.5 million KGS (approximately USD 51,500) per unit. Following the unsuccessful tender, local media reported that city authorities approached an unnamed Chinese company directly to initiate a pilot conversion of one trolleybus. However, transport industry experts are skeptical, noting that retrofitting Belarusian models designed for overhead power may prove technically complex and economically unjustifiable. The initiative stems from a controversial municipal decision to transition trolleybuses to battery power rather than restoring the city’s overhead network, which was dismantled between 2023 and 2024 under the "Clean Sky" program. The plan has been heavily criticized by both residents and experts since its inception. Environmental group #BishkekSmog argued that the cost of converting the city's remaining 50 trolleybuses could exceed USD 2.5 million. “Why invest additional millions when the existing trolleybuses are already capable of operating on the overhead contact network?” the group stated. “Moreover, the name of the supposed contractor, a private Chinese company, has not been disclosed, raising concerns about transparency and the quality of any potential work.” Meanwhile, legal proceedings continue over the municipality’s decision to decommission the trolleybus network. The next hearing is scheduled for June 25 at the Bishkek Administrative Court. Activists and legal advocates argue that the dismantling violated international loan agreements and undermined the long-term sustainability of the city's public transport system. The Asian Development Bank has distanced itself from the city's current strategy, stating that it does not support the conversion initiative and had no involvement in the project.

Floods

Flash Floods Severely Damage Irrigation Infrastructure and Crops in Tajikistan

Heavy rains and ensuing flash floods have inflicted significant damage on agriculture and infrastructure near the city of Penjikent in northwestern Tajikistan. The rural community of Kosatarosh was particularly hard-hit, with key irrigation canals damaged and dozens of hectares of farmland inundated. Key Canals and Farmland Affected According to the emergency response headquarters under the Penjikent city administration, flooding and mudslides disrupted the flow of two major irrigation canals, Khalifa Hassan and Farmetan. Around 20 meters of the bank of the Khalifa Hassan Canal was washed away, with sediment and debris accumulating in the channel. The Farmetan Canal was partially blocked, endangering the water supply for local farms. The disruption poses a serious threat to agricultural output, as the Khalifa Hassan Canal supplies water to over 3,500 hectares of cropland and orchards. Local authorities estimate that at least 80 hectares of rice, potatoes, corn, and other crops, cultivated by both collective farms and private households, were affected. On the morning of June 16, Penjikent Mayor Abduholik Kholikzoda visited the affected area and held an emergency meeting with representatives of the Committee for Emergency Situations and other relevant agencies. Authorities agreed to initiate a rapid damage assessment and commence restoration work. The State Administration for Land Reclamation and Irrigation of the Zarafshon River Basin has been tasked with clearing debris from the canals and repairing damaged sections. Specialists from the Zarafshon joint venture have already deployed equipment and begun initial repair operations. Authorities Had Issued Warnings The Tajikistan Hydrometeorological Agency had issued a warning on June 12-13 about the heightened risk of mudslides in mountainous and foothill regions, including areas in Sughd region, such as Ayni, Penjikent, and Iskanderkul, as well as regions under direct republican jurisdiction and parts of the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region. “Precipitation expected in mountainous and foothill areas could lead to mudslides,” the agency warned. The Emergency Committee advised residents to avoid rivers and reservoirs, suspend fishing and hunting, and temporarily cease grazing livestock in vulnerable mountainous areas. Volatile Summer Weather Increases Risk Forecasters predict that June 2025 will be unusually hot across Tajikistan, with temperatures expected to exceed seasonal averages by more than two degrees. The southern and lowland regions are expected to experience particularly high temperatures. Despite the heat, meteorologists warn of possible short-term rainfall, thunderstorms, dust storms, and squalls. Authorities have urged citizens to remain vigilant, particularly in flood-prone mountainous areas, where weather volatility continues to pose a risk. The situation in Penjikent underscores the increasing vulnerability of such regions to climate-induced disasters.

Locust Outbreak

Kyrgyzstan Urges Regional Unity to Combat Major Locust Outbreak

Kyrgyzstan has called for stronger regional cooperation among Central Asian countries in response to a large-scale locust infestation threatening vast areas of farmland. According to the Ministry of Water Resources, Agriculture, and Processing Industry of Kyrgyzstan, surveys across 114,000 hectares of agricultural land revealed locust presence on nearly two-thirds of the area. More than 74,000 hectares have already been treated with pesticides. “Locusts are herbivorous insects capable of forming large migratory swarms under favorable population and climate conditions. These swarms can devastate entire crop fields within days,” the ministry warned. The infestation is particularly severe in southern Kyrgyzstan, where early harvest cycles and warmer weather provide ideal breeding conditions. Mobile task forces and trained specialists are actively monitoring and treating affected areas. Operations are expected to continue through August, coinciding with the end of the locusts’ life cycle. To coordinate a broader response, Kyrgyz authorities have reached agreements with Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. The trilateral effort aims to: Implement international phytosanitary standards Enhance data sharing on locust distribution and life cycles Coordinate pesticide application in cross-border agricultural zones Uzbekistan has introduced a new electronic tracking platform that records egg-laying sites and treatment zones. This system improves monitoring of locust movements and helps mitigate the risk of transboundary migration. The initiative underscores growing regional concerns over food security, as shifting climate patterns increase the frequency and severity of locust outbreaks across Central Asia. In Bishkek, concerned residents have recently reported a rise in sightings of large insects resembling locusts. However, agricultural experts have clarified that these are bush crickets (Tettigoniidae), which are harmless to crops and humans. “These solitary insects have long antennae and, particularly in younger specimens, underdeveloped wings. Unlike true locusts, they do not form destructive swarms,” the ministry stated. The Kyrgyz government continues to treat infested areas and has urged farmers and local communities to promptly report new sightings. Officials emphasized that coordinated regional action is essential to contain the outbreak and safeguard agricultural productivity. As summer advances, Central Asia is expected to face further agricultural and ecological challenges, underscoring the need for real-time data sharing and cross-border pest management strategies.