ASTANA, Kazakhstan, April 2. The Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation of Kazakhstan is exchanging information with Chinese colleagues on transboundary rivers for joint flood management, Trend reports.
''Since 2005, an agreement on emergency notification of natural disasters on transboundary rivers has been in place between Kazakhstan and China. The parties are required to share information about floods and ice-related phenomena," the ministry's statement says.
Observations are carried out at the hydrological posts "Sandaohezi" on the Ili River, "Nanwan" on the Irtysh River, and "Tekes" on the Tekes River.
"The Ministry maintains constant communication with water agencies in China, Russia, and Central Asian countries. Information exchange takes place for all transboundary rivers. Data is provided to regional administrations and the Emergency Situations Department. Round-the-clock duty shifts are organized at hydraulic structures," said Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation Nurzhan Nurzhigitov.
In March, the water authorities of Kazakhstan and China signed a Memorandum of Understanding and Cooperation in the field of water resources for the first time. The document aims to strengthen bilateral cooperation in the rational and sustainable use of water, the introduction of modern technologies, the distribution and development of alternative water sources, as well as the exchange of experiences and joint training of personnel.
