Authorities in Russia’s southern Ural region and northern Kazakhstan have reported that more than 125,000 individuals have been displaced due to extensive flooding caused by rapidly melting snow and swollen rivers.
Last week, the region experienced a surge in water levels in several rivers, including the Ural River, Europe’s third-largest river, which rose by meters within hours to record-high levels. As floodwaters continue to rise, authorities warn of further threats to affected areas.
In North Kazakhstan, approximately 1,000 homes have been flooded, leading to the evacuation of over 5,000 people. Local officials have reported disruptions in power and water supply, with residents in the city of Petropavlovsk queuing for water trucks as the main reservoir supplying the city has been inundated.
Across the border in Russia’s Kurgan region, which is home to 800,000 people and situated at the confluence of the Ural mountains and Siberia, flooding and rising water levels in the Tobol River are causing concern. Officials warn that the city of Kurgan is at risk, with the Tobol’s flow accelerating and water levels constantly rising.
Additionally, homes in the Tomsk region of southwestern Siberia are also facing inundation from floods, according to regional officials.
The widespread displacement and infrastructure disruptions highlight the severity of the flooding crisis affecting both Russia’s southern Ural region and northern Kazakhstan. Authorities are coordinating relief efforts to assist affected communities and mitigate further damage.
Leave a Reply