Enhancing Disaster Response in Kyrgyzstan: Installation of Lorawan-Enabled Meteo Stations at Baytik and Ala Archa Hydropost

A significant stride has been made in the realm of disaster response and climate research in Kyrgyzstan, spearheaded by the ISOC Kyrgyz Chapter, the Abdus Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP), and the Central-Asian Institute for Applied Geosciences (CAIAG). In a bid to demonstrate the capabilities of Lorawan technology and to validate its consistency with existing meteorological systems, Lorawan-enabled meteo stations and additional sensors have been installed at the Baytik Meteorological Center and the Ala Archa Hydropost on April 24, 2023.

The selection of these sites was strategic, not only due to their locations but also due to the unique opportunities they present for comparing data with existing meteo stations operating under different systems. By analyzing and comparing the data gathered from these stations, the team aims to validate the consistency, accuracy, and relevancy of the data generated by the Lorawan-enabled technology.

Barani Design meteo stations have been chosen for this project due to their reputation for providing reliable, accurate, and high-quality data. These stations measure several key parameters, including temperature, humidity, atmospheric pressure, wind speed and direction, solar radiation, and rainfall. The wide array of indicators provided by Barani Design meteo stations offers a comprehensive picture of local climatic conditions, essential for informing climate research and disaster response strategies. in addition, several other sensors from different vendors had been selected to measure height of the river and speed of waterflow on Kashka Suu river.

Each partner organization played a critical role in this installation. CAIAG, known for their extensive work in applied geosciences, provided the locations, conducted preliminary construction works (such as the installation of masts, fences, and photovoltaics), and offered expert guidance to ensure that the installations were conducted in accordance with global standards. ISOC Kyrgyz Chapter and ICTP provided the necessary expertise and knowledge in Lorawan technology, ensuring seamless integration of these sensors into the broader network.

The Baytik Meteorological Center, located in a significant climatic area, offers critical insights into local and regional weather patterns. Meanwhile, the Ala Archa Hydropost plays a crucial role in monitoring water levels, enabling early detection and warnings of potential floods. The installation of Lorawan-enabled sensors at these locations will greatly enhance the accuracy and timeliness of data collected, further aiding in the decision-making process for disaster management.

Through this partnership, ISOC Kyrgyz Chapter, ICTP, and CAIAG demonstrate a steadfast commitment to enhancing climate research and disaster response capabilities in Kyrgyzstan. By leveraging advanced technology like Lorawan, these organizations are working towards a future where data-driven decisions can significantly mitigate the impact of natural disasters, safeguarding communities and infrastructure.