Uzbekistan: Reservoir dam collapses in Syr Darya river basin May 2

Event

Authorities in Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan have evacuated thousands of residents living in the Syr Darya river basin as of Saturday, May 2, after a reservoir dam burst and caused widespread flooding that began a day prior on Friday, May 1. Authorities in Uzbekistan claim that 70,000 people have been evacuated from 22 villages in the area. In Kazakhstan, 5400 people have been evacuated from villages in the Turkestan province. There have been no reports of any casualties at this time and some sources suggest the Uzbek government has been able to divert the flow of water to a nearby lake to stop the flooding.

Advice

Individuals in the affected areas are advised to monitor the situation, anticipate transportation disruptions, avoid areas directly affected by flooding, confirm road conditions before setting out, and adhere to instructions issued by authorities. Avoid walking or driving through floodwaters; 15 cm (6 in) of running water is enough to knock over an adult.