14 Mar 2023 | 12:27 PM UTC
Kazakhstan: Disruptions due to flooding ongoing across parts of Aktobe and West Kazakhstan regions as of March 14
Flood-related disruptions across Aktobe and West Kazakhstan regions, Kazakhstan, as of March 14. Evacuations and utility outages ongoing.
Event
Disruptions due to flooding are ongoing across parts of Aktobe and West Kazakhstan regions as of March 14. Floods triggered by heavy precipitation and melting snow have damaged around 50 homes in the affected region, and authorities have evacuated more than 240 people. Power outages have affected parts of Oral in West Kazakhstan, and water supply issues have also been reported due to contamination caused by the flooding. Due to the flood, authorities have declared a state of emergency for Oral City and Bayterek, Borili, and Shyngyrlau districts in West Kazakhstan. As of March 14, the National Hydrometeorological Service of Kazakhstan has issued yellow warnings (the lowest level on a three-tier scale) for heavy precipitation and strong winds in Aktobe Region; no warnings are currently in place for West Kazakhstan Region. Authorities will likely issue new alerts or update/rescind existing advisories as weather conditions change over the coming days.
Hazardous Conditions
Heavy rainfall and snow melt could trigger flooding in low-lying communities near rivers, streams, and creeks. Urban flooding is also possible in developed areas with easily overwhelmed, or lack of, stormwater drainage systems. Sites located downstream from large reservoirs or rivers may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall. Landslides are possible in hilly or mountainous areas, especially where heavy rain has saturated the soil. Power outages could occur throughout the affected area.
Transport
Floodwaters and debris flows may render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in and around affected areas. Ponding on road surfaces could cause hazardous driving conditions on regional highways. Authorities could temporarily close some low-lying routes that become inundated by floodwaters. The disruptive weather may cause delays and cancellations at airports in the region. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight cancellations are possible in areas with heavy rainfall and potential track blockages.
Disruptions triggered by inclement weather and resultant hazards, such as flooding, could persist well after conditions have improved - it could take days before any floodwaters recede and/or officials clear debris. If there is severe damage to infrastructure, repair, or reconstruction, efforts may result in residual disruptions.
Advice
Monitor local media for weather-related updates and advisories. Confirm all transport reservations and business arrangements before traveling in affected areas. Seek updated information on road conditions before driving or routing shipments through areas where severe weather is forecast; plan for possible supply chain disruptions throughout the affected areas. Stay away from elevated streams, creeks, and other watercourses that are prone to flash flooding. Do not attempt to navigate flooded roadways. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.
