Kyrgyzstan has launched a major upgrade of its national early warning and emergency response systems in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and with funding from the European Union (EU), in a move aimed at improving disaster preparedness and climate resilience.

The initiative, led by the Ministry of Emergency Situations of the Kyrgyz Republic, focuses on modernizing the Crisis Management Center with new equipment and technologies that enable faster data collection, processing, and emergency response. The upgrade includes advanced server systems, multiplex modules, and enhanced communication tools — all critical for managing natural and climate-induced hazards.

“Disaster resilience begins with preparedness,” said Boobek Azhikeev, Minister of Emergency Situations of the Kyrgyz Republic. “Today, we are strengthening our capacity to protect the lives and property of our citizens, especially in the most vulnerable regions. The new technologies at the Crisis Management Center will help us respond faster, coordinate better, and engage more effectively with local communities.”

The initiative is part of the EU-funded regional project Climate Change and Resilience in Central Asia. Its goal is not only to deliver equipment, but to build lasting national capabilities to protect people and infrastructure from disasters made worse by climate change.

Hans Farnhammer, Head of the Cooperation Unit at the EU Delegation to the Kyrgyz Republic, emphasized the long-term importance of the program: 

“Early warning systems are investments in safety, resilience, and the future. They help save lives and strengthen trust between the government and the people. We support Kyrgyzstan’s commitment to building a more resilient, inclusive, and prepared nation for the challenges of tomorrow.”

The impact of the initiative is already visible across the country. In the climate-sensitive Fergana Valley, four new automated meteorological stations and water radars have been deployed, providing early alerts to over 150,000 people. In Osh city, a new emergency alert system with 29 sirens and 87 loudspeakers now delivers rapid warnings to residents and key infrastructure.

Efforts are underway to extend these systems to remote and mountainous areas, which are often the hardest to reach but most exposed to climate risks.

UNDP Resident Representative in Kyrgyzstan, Alexandra Solovieva, stressed the importance of long-term partnerships in addressing climate challenges:

“UNDP remains a reliable partner of Kyrgyzstan in the areas of sustainable development, adaptation to climate change and building a safer future. We are grateful for the long-lasting partnership that ensures sustainability in the face of growing climate challenges.”

The modernization aligns with Kyrgyzstan’s National Development Programme 2030, which prioritizes building climate resilience and reducing community vulnerability. With continued support from the EU and UNDP, the country is advancing toward a more responsive and secure emergency management system — one designed to protect lives and livelihoods in an increasingly uncertain climate future.

Follow Daryo's official Instagram and Twitter pages to keep current on world news.