KHUJAND, August 20, 2009 Asia-Plus  -- 21 residents of the northern Sughd province drowned while swimming in rivers, lakes and water storage reservoirs this year, according to the Sughd emergency management agency.

Most accidents took place at the Syrdarya River.  “13 persons have drowned in the Syrdaray River this year,” the source at the emergency management agency said.

Besides, two women have committed suicide in Khujand this year by jumping off a bridge into the Syrdarya River, according to the source.

“If it were not for rescuers victims could be much more,” said the source, “Rescuers have saved 21 persons, including three women who were trying to commit suicide.”