Experts associate the dust storms and muddy rains recorded in Kazakhstan's Atyrau region with the shallowing of the Caspian Sea.
According to Erlan Yesenov, Deputy Head of the Ecology Department, due to the decrease in sea level, areas where salt and fine sand had accumulated and were previously under water have emerged.
Four areas located in the coastal zone causing dust storms have been identified, and these areas lack vegetation cover, including reed beds.
Jasulan Bisembiyev, Deputy Akim of Atyrau region, noted that the possibilities of using irrigation technologies to reduce the rise of dust and salt into the air are being considered. Canals pass near the dry areas, which will enable irrigation during planting.
Soil samples have been selected and laboratory studies have begun. Based on their results, an action plan will be developed. A working group consisting of representatives of the Akimat, Ecology Department, Emergency Situations Department, and environmental specialists has been created. Air monitoring of the shallowed areas of the Caspian Sea has been conducted./AZERTAC