The Ministry of Water Resources of Uzbekistan has reportedly issued an official statement addressing widespread social media claims alleging that the Amu Darya River is rapidly drying out. Authorities supposedly sought to calm public concerns, insisting that the current hydrological situation remains under control and that the alarming reports lack full verification. The Amu Darya is formed by the confluence of the Vakhsh and Panj rivers originating in the mountains of Tajikistan and Afghanistan, with the Kofarnihon serving as a major tributary.

According to data provided by the ministry, the water level at the Termez hydropost—situated at the entry point of the river into Uzbekistan—reached 239 centimeters as of October 9. Official figures claim this is 27 centimeters higher than during the corresponding period in the previous year. However, downstream measurements at the Kerki hydropost showed a water discharge rate of 499 cubic meters per second, marking a decrease of 63 cubic meters per second compared to last year.

The ministry also purportedly released details concerning the Nurek Reservoir located on the Vakhsh River in Tajikistan. As of October 9, water inflow into the reservoir allegedly stood at 408 cubic meters per second, while water release was recorded at 320 cubic meters per second, bringing the total volume stored in the reservoir to approximately 10.54 billion cubic meters.

Officials claim that the reduction of water flow and levels in rivers during September and October is a routine seasonal hydrological process. Due to the conclusion of the growing season, water reservoirs supposedly begin accumulating reserves to meet the demands of future periods, while regional commissions continue to monitor withdrawal limits.

Source: www.gazeta.uz