Intensive atmospheric precipitation, snowmelt, and increased surface runoff observed across Azerbaijan during the spring season have significantly intensified landslide and soil subsidence processes in several regions of the country.
In a statement to AZERTAC, Dr. Nariman Pashayev, Head of the Laboratory of Geopolitics and Economic Geography at the Ministry of Science and Education’s Institute of Geography, noted that geodynamic activity has become particularly pronounced on the southern slopes of the Greater Caucasus, the northeastern part of the Lesser Caucasus, the Talysh mountainous zone, and the Absheron Peninsula. These processes have posed serious risks to residential areas, highways, communication infrastructure, and agricultural lands.
According to the expert, the most active landslide zones within the Greater Caucasus region have been recorded along the Shamakhi–Ismayilli–Gabala corridor. Since the second half of April, heavy rainfall has caused slope deformations in the foothill sections of the Baku–Shamakhi–Yevlakh highway, particularly within the territories of Gobustan and Shamakhi districts. Notable ground subsidence and cracking have occurred in the Aghidere and Mughanli areas, leading to temporary traffic restrictions on certain road segments. The stability of retaining walls located near the slopes has also weakened due to the movement of soil masses. Preliminary estimates indicate that the volume of displaced earth in some locations amounts to several thousand cubic meters.
Landslide activity has also intensified in Ismayilli District, especially in the directions of Lahij, Basgal, Muju, and Kurdmashi villages. Following heavy rains during the first ten days of May, rock fragments and soil layers were reported to have fallen onto several sections of the Lahij access road. As a result, transportation to some villages along the Lahij-Muju route became difficult, and road clearance operations were carried out using heavy machinery.
In Kurdmashi and surrounding villages, the displacement of soil layers on slopes caused cracks to appear in residential buildings, while ground subsidence was observed in several household yards. In addition, parts of agricultural lands have reportedly become unsuitable for cultivation. Increased landslide activity has also been recorded in the villages of Talistan and Diyalli in Ismayilli District.
Dr. Pashayev emphasized that continued monitoring, preventive engineering measures, and detailed geological assessments are essential to reduce the risks associated with these processes and to ensure the safety of local communities and infrastructure.
