An unexpected mudslide swept through the village of Nokhur, in Ahal Province, Turkmenistan, on 11 August. There was no rainfall during the week.
The mudslide, which descended from the Kopetdag Ridge, flooded the streets, some cars were seen literally floating in the water. The muddy torrent washed away supplies belonging to street and market vendors, many of whom had no time to save their goods.
The flow of water, mixed with stones, construction debris, mud, and street waste, blocked access to nearby settlements. Queues of cars formed along the roads as traffic came to a standstill. No fatalities have been reported so far.
Concerns are growing as natural anomalies become increasingly difficult to predict, underscoring the urgent need for better preparedness.
