Since May 1, 2023, a system of continuous space monitoring of seismic stability of reservoir dams will start operating in Uzbekistan. The Space Research and Technology Agency under the Cabinet of Ministers will regularly transmit space images and processed data to the responsible state agencies.
This is envisaged by the presidential decree "On measures for further improvement of the seismic safety system of the Republic of Uzbekistan". указом президента «О мерах по дальнейшему совершенствованию системы обеспечения сейсмической безопасности Республики Узбекистан».
The practice of early forecasting and assessment of seismic risk at reservoir dams is being introduced. From April 1, 2023 visual 3D-models of territories of the republic, which are at risk of being flooded in case of dam breakage as a result of earthquake, will be developed with the help of simulation program. Ministries and agencies will receive space images and processed data to organize rescue works in such a situation.
This project will be handled by the Space Research and Technology Agency together with the Academy of Sciences, Ministry of Emergency Situations, Ministry of Water Management and State Inspectorate for Control of Safety of Water Management Facilities.
The Agency was also ordered to develop an interactive online map by December 1, 2022, together with the Academy of Sciences and the Ministry of Emergency Situations. It should indicate seismically active, moderately active, inactive territories and areas of Uzbekistan. By August 1, 2023 the radar system of space monitoring able to detect consequences of earthquakes: deformation, displacement, subsidence of buildings and facilities located in seismic active zones should be created.
The Ministry of Water Resources and JSC "Uzbekhydroenergo" are instructed to submit justified proposals to the Cabinet of Ministers by August 1, 2022 on the purchase of equipment necessary for seismic observations. At the first stage, in 2022-2023, it is planned to install it in 32 reservoirs assigned to categories I and II. The second stage is scheduled for 2024-2025. Twenty-six reservoirs of III and IV categories will be equipped with the technology.
The departments, together with the Ministry of Emergency Situations and the Academy of Sciences will conduct an expertise of the seismic resistance of the subordinate reservoirs and hydraulic structures on the basis of express methodology until July 1, 2023.
The works on seismic observations on the reservoirs will be paid from the local budgets.
