DUSHANBE, 30.04.2020. (NIAT Khovar) – Adverse weather such  as heavy rains, thunderstorms, hail and lightning is forecasted for Tajikistan until May 5, reports the country’s Committee for Emergency Situations and Civil Defense (CESCD).

On May 4, winds with gusts of up to 12-17 m/s are expected in Sughd and Khatlon provinces.  Mudflows, avalanches and rockfalls are expected on the mountain roads.

On May 2-3, a sharp increase in water levels is expected in rivers flowing from the southern slopes of the Hissor Range, in the Yakhsu, Kyzylsu (southern) and Vakhsh rivers, as well as in the tributaries of the Zarafshon (Ayni) river.

In this regard, the Committee urges citizens to follow basic personal security measures, to refrain from hiking in the mountains, picking mushrooms, and crops growing in mountainous areas.

Unstable weather will also complicate grazing and keeping livestock on pastures.

In order to prevent accidents on roads, especially mountainous roads and passes, the committee urges drivers, who have automobiles with tinted windows, to limit their movement at night, as well as to follow all traffic rules, especially speeding limits.

Also, the CESCD does not recommend that citizens and guests of the country be near water bodies. There may be flooding of low places, farmlands, flushing sections of roads, as well as a threat to the safety of low-water bridges and dams.

The committee asks residents to clear all ditches located near their homes.