Kyrgyz Emergency Situations Ministry purchase helicopter

By Alimat Aliyeva

The Emergency Situations Ministry of Kyrgyzstan plans to purchase an additional helicopter, Azernews reports.

According to Deputy Minister Mambetov, the ministry currently has three helicopters, including one Mi-8, and negotiations are underway for the acquisition of another aircraft.

"If we reach an agreement with the suppliers, we expect to purchase an additional helicopter next year," Mambetov said.

In addition to the helicopter, the Ministry of Emergency Situations is set to receive new special equipment by the end of this year.

"We will receive equipment worth $8-9 million through the World Bank. This will include excavators, bulldozers, and equipment for shore protection works. In total, we plan to acquire 70-80 units," the Deputy Minister added.

These new acquisitions are part of Kyrgyzstan's ongoing efforts to improve its disaster response capabilities, especially in the face of natural disasters such as floods, earthquakes, and landslides, which are common in the region due to its mountainous terrain.

The increase in specialized equipment and aerial support, such as helicopters, is critical for the Ministry's ability to respond quickly and effectively to emergencies, conduct search and rescue operations, and carry out preventive measures to mitigate the effects of natural disasters.

Kyrgyzstan’s mountainous geography makes it particularly vulnerable to natural disasters, including avalanches, floods, and landslides. The Ministry of Emergency Situations plays a crucial role in disaster management and has been gradually modernizing its equipment to handle these challenges more efficiently. The addition of more helicopters and heavy machinery not only enhances the ministry’s response capabilities but also aids in long-term infrastructure development, such as improving roads and shorelines that are prone to flooding.