LocationsLife's work: the story of Samijon Sherov and his service at the Sarykanda hydropost
June 24, 2025
"The river speaks in advance – you just have to know how to listen"
Early in the morning of July 7, 1998, something irreparable happened on the narrow, winding Shakhimardan River, flowing through juniper forests and dense bushes, in one of the most picturesque places of the Fergana Valley. A powerful mudflow suddenly fell on the village of the same name, sweeping away streets, houses, recreation areas and children’s camps. The water came from the neighboring mountains of Kyrgyzstan – suddenly, swiftly, without warning. This tragedy took lives and left an indelible mark on the heart of the entire region.
Samijon Sherov, a 19-year-old boy at that time who lived just a few kilometers from the disaster site, in a neighboring village through which flows the equally vibrant, capricious and beautiful Sokh River, also remembers it. The story of Shakhimardan became for Samijon not just a lesson, but a reminder: a mountain river can be not only a source of life, but also a destructive force. A story familiar from his youth only strengthened his resolve to continue his father’s work – to be the first to hear the river’s anxious voice.
In mountainous terrain, natural hazards often arise suddenly. In a matter of hours rapid floods and mudflows may develop – they are caused by intense precipitation, rapid melting of snow cover or the outburst of glacial lakes, especially in the context of climate change. These processes are especially typical for transboundary mountainous areas, where every slope, ravine or small tributary can turn into a source of a rapid mudflow in a matter of minutes. The river always gives signals: the water becomes turbid, the noise increases, the stones and debris increase, the riverbed begins to "pulsate". A heavy smell of dampness, earth, and sometimes a barely perceptible but alarming smell, reminiscent of gunpowder appears in the air. These signs are almost imperceptible on the flatlands, but in places where the river is just beginning to gain strength, they are still distinguishable – if you look carefully. This is why hydroposts are so important – points where the river is monitored by those who know how to read its behavior and notice the first alarming changes.
Samijon Sherov measures flow rate using a hydrometric current meter and a cradle crossing with a weight of up to 100 kg (depending on the flow velocity)
Why are hydroposts needed?
In mountainous and foothill areas, especially on transboundary rivers, prompt monitoring of the water regime is a key element of the early warning system for emergency situations. It is in such places that hydrological posts are installed: they allow recording the level and speed of water flow, the composition of sediments and also tracking seasonal fluctuations and abrupt changes associated with extreme weather events. The Sarykanda hydropost, where Samijon Sherov works, is located in the middle reaches of the Sokh River. This hydropost is part of the observation network that has existed here since the end of the 19th century. The first measurement in this area was taken in 1896, and since then measurements have been taken continuously – in any weather, without days off or holidays. Such a long and continuous series of observations allows not only to assess the current situation, but also to analyze long-term trends: changes in runoff, climate impact on the behavior of glaciers and changes in the water regime of rivers.
Moreover, the data from such observations serve as a basis for hydrological forecasts: for the water and agricultural sectors, public utilities, and rescue units. Sowing plans, warnings about the threat of mudflows, drinking water supply, and other needs depend on timely and reliable information.
But even the most modern devices cannot replace human attention, experience and intuition. An observer at a post is not just a link in a chain of measurements, but someone who knows the river, feels its mood and notices changes even before the device gives a signal. And this is exactly the work that Samijon has been performing for more than 25 years.
Between generations: from father to son
Samijon was born and raised in the Sokh district, surrounded by gardens and fields, where every person depends on the whims of a mountain river, and the knowledge of how to live next to such a river was passed down from generation to generation. His father worked at the Sarykanda hydropost for more than thirty years and knew the river down to the smallest changes. From an early age, Samijon saw how his father would go out to the river in any weather, take measurements, keep records, notice subtle signs of changes that might seem insignificant to others. This work became part of their daily routine – measured, focused, repetitive, like the flow of the river itself.
Samijon Sherov processes the observation results in a traditional way
"He would never be in a hurry, "Samijon recalls. "He had a special sense of timing. He knew when to just observe and when to sound the alarm."
In 1998, immediately after the tragic events in Shakhimardan, Samijon decided to officially continue his father’s work. Since then, for more than 25 years, he has not left his post. During this time, the equipment has changed, automatic sensors and satellite communications have appeared, but the main tool has remained the same – an attentive, trained, irreplaceable human gaze.
Work that has become part of life
Samijon was only 19 years old when he officially took his father’s position as an observer at the hydropost. By this time, he knew how to take measurements, process data, and recognize warning signs. He wasn’t just continuing his family’s business – he was taking on responsibility for the safety of local communities.
Samijon’s working day begins by daylight. Every day, without days off or holidays, several times a day at certain hours he comes to his post to record the water level and conduct visual observations. The greatest load is created by the flood season – from late spring to mid-summer, when the river can reach critical levels due to rains and melting glaciers. In the spring, measurements of the water velocity and flow rate are taken on average up to five times a month, and in May and the summer months – almost daily. Samijon shares the results of his observations with the Fergana Department of Hydrometeorological Service. From there, the data is sent to the district units of the Ministry of Emergency Situations, to water management and agricultural services, as well as to local authorities. When he is not at his post, water level measurements are taken by an automatic sensor – a device that records fluctuations in the level in continuous mode.
The period from June to July becomes especially tense – the time of the greatest risk of mudflows and floods due to the threat of glacial lakes outburst at the river’s headwaters given the elevated temperatures. At this time, Samijon spends almost the entire day at his post, monitoring the slightest changes.
Samijon Sherov with his family around him
“In 2022, flow rate reached 400 cubic meters per second, which posed a real threat of flooding of the territories”, says Samijon. “At such moments it is impossible to leave the site even for an hour. Everything can change very quickly. Any delay can cost too much."
This incident once again demonstrated the importance of having timely data to prevent natural disasters.
Between observations there is a life
Apart from his work at the post, Samijon has a normal but busy daily life. He is a husband and a father of three daughters. His wife takes care of the household and the family, while he divides his time between observations, data processing and work on the land.
Not far from his home, Samijon rents one hectare of land, where he grows wheat, potatoes, and tends to fruit trees and vegetable beds. Everything is located close by so that in the event of a sudden change in the water level, he can come to his post within a few minutes.
"The field is close to me – I can see it from my post. It’s better that way. If anything happens, I immediately go and check," says Samijon.
Samijon Sherov on his land plot
He maintains close ties with neighbors – a younger brother lives nearby, often helping each other with housework. House, land plot, river, work – everything is connected here, built into the general rhythm of space and time. It is difficult to separate the personal and social life here – caring for others is woven into traditions and everyday life.
Harmony of tradition and innovation
In 2023, at the "Sarykand" hydropost within the framework of the UNDP project "Climate Change and Resilience in Central Asia" (CCR CA) supported by the European Union, an up-to-date automatic equipment – the Geolux water sensor was installed. It records the water level and flow velocity in real time, which allows people of the lower reaches of the Sokh River to learn in a timely manner about the risks of floods and mudflows. This allows them to take even the most preventive measures to prepare, protect their property and lives.
Samijon himself notes that these sensors make his job much easier, but do not completely replace it, because nature is unpredictable. In mountainous conditions, changes in the river can begin before they are recorded by the sensor. Therefore, even with the availability of equipment, the role of the observer remains critically important: he can notice early visual signs of instability, assess the situation comprehensively and promptly report the risk.
