Baku: Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Emergency Situations has released crucial information about a methane gas discovery near the Yanardag Reserve. The Ministry has reported that gas leakage has been observed in the yards of private houses on Hasanbay Agayev and Ziya Bunyadov streets in the village of Mammadli, Absheron district, adjacent to the ‘Yanardag’ State Historical-Cultural and Natural Reserve.

According to Azeri-Press News Agency, specialists from the Ministry of Emergency Situations, the ‘Azerigaz’ Production Union, and the Absheron District Executive Authority promptly conducted inspections in the affected area, compiling a detailed report. The inspections involved drilling holes using the ‘shulf’ method near the foundations of private houses, in their yards, and on vacant non-residential land plots. Devices used in these inspections detected the presence of methane gas (CH4), leading to the temporary suspension of gas supply by the ‘Azerigaz’ Production Union to prevent potential explosion and fire incidents, ensuring resident safety.

In response to the findings indicating explosion and fire hazards, an interagency working group has been established on the instruction of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Azerbaijan. This group comprises representatives from the Ministries of Emergency Situations, Ecology and Natural Resources, Science and Education, SOCAR, and the Absheron District Executive Authority. The working group is actively engaged in a comprehensive investigation to identify the source and composition of the detected gas and implement necessary safety measures. A decision based on the investigation results is expected soon.

The Ministry has assured that the situation is being closely monitored, and regular updates will be provided to inform the public of any developments.