Dam bursts in Russia, critical water levels in Orsk prompt emergency situation
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Russia has declared a "federal emergency" in the southern Orenburg region due to severe flooding in the city of Orsk, with authorities warning of further risks in Siberia as a dam burst exacerbates the situation.
Following heavy rainfall, a dam near Orsk, located in the southern Urals near Kazakhstan, collapsed on Friday night, resulting in a major flood that forced thousands to evacuate. Images depict extensive flooding in Orsk, where submerged cars are barely visible.
More than 4,500 individuals have been evacuated from Orsk, and over 6,500 homes across the Orenburg region have been inundated. The flood threat extends beyond Orsk, with water levels on the Ural River rapidly rising in Orenburg, a regional hub with a population of approximately 560,000.
Russian Emergency Situations Minister Alexander Kurenkov, assessing the situation in Orsk, emphasized its severity, stating, "A critical situation has developed in Orsk." He urged authorities to prioritize timely evacuations and cautioned that the flood situation could escalate quickly, reported AFP.
The flood's peak in Orenburg is anticipated on April 9, with stabilization projected after April 20. Rosgidromet, Russia's weather monitor, issued warnings of dangerous water levels on the Ural River in Orenburg over the next three days, heightening concerns.
Mayor Sergei Salmin of Orenburg described the situation as "critical," reporting a 28-centimeter rise in water levels within a day. He warned residents of potential forced evacuations and emphasized the urgency of the situation.
Meanwhile, neighboring Kazakhstan has also felt the impact of the floods, with President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev describing them as one of the country's most severe natural disasters in 80 years.
President Vladimir Putin is closely monitoring the situation and has instructed governors in Siberia's Tyumen and Kurgan regions to prepare for expected flooding. The Kremlin cited abnormal increases in water levels at local hydraulic stations, signaling potential risks unseen in a century.
Putin's shift in stance towards climate change has prompted increased measures to address extreme weather events in Russia, as scientists attribute such occurrences to climate change driven by human activity.
Russia has experienced a series of extreme floods and wildfires in recent years.
