Rapidly Rising Water Levels in Russia’s Ural and Siberian Regions Prompt Urgent Evacuations
Officials in Russia’s Ural and southwestern Siberian regions are facing a crisis as water levels in rivers continue to rise rapidly, flooding hundreds of houses and forcing urgent evacuations of residents. In the Kurgan region near the border with Kazakhstan, more than 300 houses and nearly 700 residential plots have been submerged by the overflowing Tobol River.
The situation is dire in the city of Kurgan, where power has been cut off, leaving approximately 1,500 residents without electricity. Governor Vadim Shumkov has warned of a potentially “very difficult” situation, with water levels in the Tobol River expected to rise up to 11 meters, nearly double the bursting level in some areas.
In the Tyumen region, residents of Ishim have been asked to evacuate due to a critical rise in the water level of the Ishim River. The governor of the region has issued a warning that water levels in the region’s rivers could reach all-time highs in the coming days.
The flooding is a result of large snow melts and heavy rain over already waterlogged land, affecting not only Russia but also northern Kazakhstan. Over 125,000 people have been forced to flee their homes as the tributaries of the region’s rivers swell with meltwaters.
The situation remains fluid as officials work to manage the crisis and ensure the safety of residents in the affected areas.