Russia Kazakhstan floods: ‘Colossal’ floods heading for Kurgan
A “tremendous volume” of water is advancing towards the Russian city of Kurgan, as stated by the region’s governor.
Vadim Shumkov mentioned that the swollen Tobol river and its branches have generated water levels double those of the last significant flood in 1994.
Over the past fortnight, floods have necessitated the evacuation of tens of thousands of individuals from northern Kazakhstan and neighboring regions of Russia.
These floods are a result of the rapid thawing of snow and ice compounded by heavy rainfall.
Mr. Shumkov, via his Telegram channel, urged residents in flood-threatened areas to vacate their homes immediately, anticipating waters to surge as high as 11m (36ft) above normal levels.
“This isn’t merely a flood, but an authentic peril!” he emphasized.
“Consequently, evacuate children, the elderly, those with limited mobility, and neighbors to temporary shelters or with friends and acquaintances. Gather important documents and valuables.”
Kurgan, a city boasting over 300,000 inhabitants, is home to the military factory Kurganmashzavod, which manufactures infantry fighting vehicles and light tanks. Foreign defense media have speculated that it might be within the flood zone at some point.
Residents of Ishim, situated further east, have also been instructed to evacuate due to elevated levels of the river bearing the same name.
Petropavl in northern Kazakhstan has likewise been severely impacted by the flooding of the Ishim River. Several rivers traverse both countries’ territories.
Elena Kurzayeva, a 67-year-old pensioner from Petropavl, informed AFP on Sunday: “I was evacuated yesterday, and within 15 minutes, the water had inundated the area.”
Levels of water in both the Ishim and the Tobol, components of the world’s seventh-longest Ob river system, are projected to peak around April 23 or 24.
Attention has now turned to these two rivers following last week’s devastation from flooding in the Ural river basin, which affected a large swath of Russian and Kazakh territory to the west.
This flooding is being described as the most severe to hit the region in 80 years.
In Orenburg city, residences in certain districts were nearly completely submerged.
A week earlier, the city of Orsk was badly affected after a dam burst and saw rare public protests over how officials handled the floods.
Russian Emergencies Minister Alexander Kurenkov, who is visiting the area, has assured Orsk residents they will be compensated.
