Today.Az » Society » Floods expected in mountainous rivers
09 April 2014 [12:12] - Today.Az
By AzerNews
Experts say some mountainous areas would be hit by floods during the next two months.
The
National Hydrometeorology Department of the Azerbaijani Ecology and
Natural Resources Ministry said some rivers in the mountainous areas
would be stricken by short-term floods in April-June.
The
prediction is based on the results of some scientific observation, as
well as monthly and seasonal weather forecast information.
Back
in February, the maximum temperature in the mountainous areas of the
country reached to 12-15, and in some foothill areas to 13-18 degrees.
In
the mountainous areas of Azerbaijan, the maximum temperature was
recorded at 16-18, and in some foothill areas 19-21 degrees in March
which led to the snowmelt and reduction of the thickness of the snow
cover.
The Department said findings show that water reserves in
the Greater and Lesser Caucasus is below than long-term norms by 37
percent. These reserves were reduced by 54 percent compared to last
year. The lower boundary of the snow cover in the country is located at
an altitude of 2,180 meters in 2014, while it was 1680 meters in 2013.
The
forecasts indicate that the inflow rate from the Kura River to Shamkir
reservoir is expected to reach to 52-66 percent in April-June. The rate
from Ganikh River to Mingachevir reservoir to reach to the level of
55-82 percent, and from Araz River to Araz reservoir to reach to 30-47
percent of long-term norm.
The water content will make up 70-111
percent of the norm in rivers of the Greater Caucasus southwest slope
(Balaken-Sheki), 51-85 percent in northeast slope (Guba-Khacmaz), 51-85
percent in the rivers of the Lesser Caucasus (Dashkesen-Gedebey), 38-77
percent in the rivers of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic and 36-75
percent in the Lenkaran-Astara region's rivers.
Based on the
sharp increase of temperature, melting of snow in mountainous areas and
heavy rains, the department predicts some short- term floods in the
rivers of the Greater Caucasus's south-west slope (Balakenchay,
Talachay, Kurmukchay, Kishchay, Shinchay), north-east slope (Gusarchay,
Gudialchay, Velvelechay), in the rivers of the Lesser Caucasus
(Ganjachay, Kurekchay, Shemkirchay, Goshgarchay) as well as in the
Nakhchivan rivers (Nakhchivanchay, Gilanchay, Alinjachay).
The
forecast by the National Hydrometeorology Department of the Azerbaijani
Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources plays an important role to
minimize the damages of the floods to the population and the
infrastructures, and to monitor closely the water level in the water
reservoirs of the country.
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