UAV mission in Tajikistan in support of disaster risk reduction

Two villages in the Pamir Mountains and their watersheds of about 23km2 were mapped in resolutions of 15 and 10cm each using professional mapping Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV). The imagery will be used to inform future and current remediation activities, disaster risk reduction training and risk maps in the communities.

Many villages in the Tajik Pamir Mountains are at risk for mudslides, which typically occur during the summer months when ice and snow melt is increased. One recent mudslide in Barsem village had released 1.5 million m3 of debris into the village, destroyed homes and had formed a natural dam in the river flowing through the valley. The build up of debris had completely stopped the water flow for 20 min, and caused a natural build-up of water. The lake that formed as a result of the water build up destroyed further homes and is threatening the power station upstream.

The second site, Darjomj village, is at risk of such potential mudslides, the last one having occurred some decades ago. In addition, the adjacent river frequently changes its course, potentially threatening usable land and buildings.