New measures to prevent flooding in Tashkent

New measures to prevent flooding in Tashkent

Authorities in Tashkent have announced a series of measures aimed at preventing water accumulation following recent heavy rainfall in the capital. According to the city administration, 35 mm of rain fell on May 10, with most of the precipitation occurring in less than two hours. This amount exceeded half of the average monthly rainfall norm for May.

Officials stated that Tashkent’s current stormwater drainage system is designed to handle up to 20 mm of rainfall per day. However, under the city’s master development plan, the system’s capacity is expected to be gradually increased to 36 mm per day.

As a result of the intense rain, flooding and water accumulation were recorded at 23 locations across eight districts of the city. The highest number of reports came from Mirzo Ulugbek district with six cases. Similar incidents were also reported in Yashnobod, Shaykhontohur, Mirobod, Yakkasaroy, Olmazor, Chilonzor, and Yunusobod districts.

According to the administration, in some areas the volume of incoming water exceeded the capacity of the existing drainage and irrigation systems, causing temporary flooding on roads and streets.

To eliminate the consequences, specialists and emergency teams from the Ministry of Emergency Situations, коммунal services, and other relevant organizations were mobilized. More than 60 special vehicles and units were deployed, and officials say the flooding was fully cleared within an hour.

Authorities also noted that the situation in some locations worsened due to clogged drainage systems, unauthorized constructions, and parking areas blocking irrigation channels and water flow routes.

Currently, each affected location is being separately examined. Planned measures include:

— construction of new irrigation systems at five locations;
— installation of three additional culverts;
— laying pipes with diameters of 800 mm and 500 mm in several areas;
— increasing the number of pumping units;
— installation of six new water intake grates;
— strengthening the carrying capacity of certain sections of the drainage network.

Officials emphasized that the main goal is to modernize the city’s stormwater drainage infrastructure and reduce the risk of local flooding in the future.

It is worth noting that on May 3, heavy rainfall also caused flooding at the Chorsu metro station in Tashkent. Authorities said the incident occurred because irrigation channels had been blocked.