Azernews.Az

By Aynur Jafarova

The National Hydrometeorology Department of the Azerbaijani Ecology and Natural Resources Ministry has prepared a forecast of the water content and the flood probability in Azerbaijani rivers for April, May, and June.

The forecast was developed on the basis of the results of the snow cover's observation, as well as monthly and seasonal weather forecast information.

Due to sharp increase of temperature in various days, melting of snow in mountainous areas and heavy rains, the department predicts that short 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 ministry predicts that the water content will make up 86-123 percent of the norm in rivers of the Greater Caucasus southwest slope (Balaken-Sheki), 86-104 percent in northeast slope, 58-88 percent in the rivers of the Lesser Caucasus, 35-87 percent in the rivers of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic and 52-84 percent in the Lenkaran-Astara region's rivers.

The department also forecasted that the flow will constitute 75-94 percent of the norm from the Kura River to the Shamkir Water Reservoir, 74-102 percent from the Ganikh River to the Mingachevir Water Reservoir, 40-60 percent from the Araz River to the Araz Water Reservoir.

Currently, water content holds 40-150 percent of the decade norm in the rivers of the Guba-Khachmaz region of the Greater Caucasus, 50-90 percent in the rivers of the Lesser Caucasus, 50 percent in the rivers of the Lenkaran-Astara region, and only 10 percent in the rivers of Nakhchivan.

The forecast prepared 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 regulate the water level in the water reservoirs of the country.