Russia is facing a significant natural disaster as more than 10,400 homes have been flooded across various regions, including the Urals, Siberia, the Volga, and central areas. The rapid melting of snow has led to record-breaking flooding, prompting emergency measures and widespread evacuations.
The Ural Mountains region in Russia experienced its worst flooding on record, triggered by swiftly melting snow. The Ural River, Europe’s third-longest river, surged several meters in just hours, breaching a dam embankment in the city of Orsk. This sudden rise in water levels has put thousands of people at risk, forcing them to flee their homes.
In response to the crisis, Russia declared an emergency in the Orenburg region near Kazakhstan, where the Ural River’s overflow has reached alarming levels. The city of Orsk witnessed the immediate impact as floodwaters inundated streets, with residents and emergency workers resorting to boats for transportation.
The Russian emergency ministry has issued forecasts predicting further increases in air temperatures, active snow melt, and river levels. The situation is expected to worsen in the coming days, especially in Orenburg, a city of half a million people downstream from Orsk. The peak of the flooding is anticipated on April 10, heightening concerns for affected communities.
President Vladimir Putin has directed the government to form a special commission to address the flooding crisis in Orenburg, Kurgan, and Tyumen regions. The Kremlin stated that Putin is closely monitoring the situation and ensuring necessary support and resources are deployed to aid those affected by the floods.
Local authorities, including the mayor of Orenburg, Sergei Salmin, have urged residents in flood-prone areas to evacuate without delay. With the Ural River poised to surpass previous record levels, authorities emphasize the urgency of evacuating everyone at risk to ensure their safety.
The flooding across Russia, fueled by melting snow and swollen rivers, presents a serious threat to communities, infrastructure, and livelihoods. As the government and emergency services work to manage the crisis, the focus remains on ensuring the safety and well-being of those affected by this natural disaster.
Sources By Agencies
