In the Khatlon region, 48 cases of drowning were registered from the beginning of 2025 to June 15, resulting in the deaths of 49 people, including 40 minors, the regional Ministry of Internal Affairs reported .
According to the department, among the dead were: 19 children aged 1 to 3 years, 4 children aged 4 to 6 years, 11 teenagers aged 7 to 14 years, 6 minors aged 15 to 18 years, 5 young people and 4 adults.
Due to the high mortality rate in water bodies in the region, a preventive operation called "Rescue" has been launched to prevent accidents and deaths. As part of the campaign, police officers, including units for the prevention of juvenile and youth crime, are intensively patrolling the banks of rivers, canals, lakes and reservoirs, paying special attention to places prohibited and dangerous for swimming.
As noted by the Ministry of Internal Affairs, in connection with the onset of hot weather, many residents of the region strive to spend time near the water, but do not always follow safety rules. Often, drowning cases occur due to carelessness, lack of swimming skills and bathing in prohibited areas.
The Main Directorate of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Khatlon Region calls on parents to increase control over their children and relatives, and all citizens to strictly observe safety measures near water. The department reminds that recreation near water bodies can turn into a tragedy if the rules are violated, therefore it is strictly forbidden to enter the water in places where swimming is prohibited.