Russia, Kazakhstan: Flooding likely to continue across widespread parts of countries through at least mid-April /update 2

Flooding due to meltwater runoff is likely across widespread parts of Russia and Kazakhstan through at least mid-April.

As of April 9, flooding had been reported in the following regions, among others:

• Aktobe Region, Kazakhstan: Authorities have declared a state of emergency in the city of Aktobe and at least six districts in the region due to flooding. The flooding has reportedly caused power outages in some areas.

• Altai Krai, Russia: Flooding has been reported in at least 51 settlements; flooding has reportedly been most severe in Mikhaylovsky and Pervomaisky districts.

• Atyrau Region, Kazakhstan: Officials have declared a state of emergency amid flooding in the region. Authorities had evacuated at least 14,000 people from Kulsary as of April 8 due to the flooding.

• Kurgan Oblast, Russia: Authorities declared a state of emergency across the region on April 8 in response to flooding. As of April 8, 4,300 houses and some 18,700 people were in the probable flooding zone in the city of Kurgan and districts of Belozersky, Ketovsky, Kurtamyshsky, Pritobolny, Tselinny, and Zverinogolovsky. Authorities have called on residents to evacuate areas threatened by flooding.

• North Kazakhstan Region, Kazakhstan: An emergency has been declared in Petropavl and Taiynsha District due to flooding.

• Novosibirsk Oblast, Russia: Closures have been reported on the N-1212, N-1206, and N-1211 highways in Kochenyovsky District.

• Orenburg Oblast, Russia: Authorities evacuated parts of the city of Orsk on April 5 after a nearby dam broke. Soon afterward, officials in Orenburg city announced the evacuation of areas near the Ural River, as well as the cutting of gas and electricity services to these areas. Authorities declared a state of emergency on April 4 (see additional detail below).

• Republic of Tatarstan, Russia: Flooding has been reported in Aznakayevsky and Buinsky districts.

• Samara Oblast, Russia: Authorities have imposed a heightened alert regime. Flooding has been reported in Alexeyevsky, Bolshechernigovsky, Bolsheglushitsky, Yelkhovsky, Pestravsky, Stavropol, and Volzhsky districts.

• Saratov Oblast, Russia: Flooding-related road restrictions have been reported in Alexandrovo-Gaysky, Atkarsky, Balakovsky, Yekaterinovsky, Ivanteyevsky, Kalininsky, Lysogorsky, Novouzensky, Perelyubsky, Pugachyovsky, Rivne, and Fyodorovsky districts.

• Tyumen Oblast, Russia: Authorities declared a state of emergency across the region on April 8 in anticipation of heavy flooding.

• West Kazakhstan Region, Kazakhstan: Authorities have imposed a state of emergency. Flooding has been reported in at least six districts and the city of Uralsk, resulting in at least 7,000 evacuations.

Although major flooding had not been reported in the following regions as of April 9, authorities have warned that flooding is nonetheless possible in such areas:

• Bashkortostan, Russia

• Kemerovo Oblast, Russia

• Krasnoyarsk Krai, Russia

Authorities declared a state of emergency in Orenburg Oblast on April 4 due to widespread flooding. Hundreds of people have been evacuated across the region. Authorities have asserted that flooding will likely peak in the coming days. Traffic on the Samara-Orenburg highway resumed on April 3 after temporarily stopping due to flooding. Authorities have noted that the city of Orsk faces a particularly severe flooding threat.

Further meltwater runoff could trigger additional flooding in low-lying communities near rivers, streams, and creeks. Urban flooding is also possible in developed areas with easily overwhelmed 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 rainfall has saturated the soil.

Authorities could issue additional evacuation orders for flood-prone communities over the coming days. Disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are possible where significant flooding or landslides impact utility networks.

Floodwaters and debris flows could 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. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are possible in areas that experience heavy rainfall and track inundation.

Localized business disruptions may occur in low-lying and riverine areas; some businesses might not operate at full capacity because of flood damage to facilities, evacuations, and some employees' inability to reach work sites. Disruptions triggered by inclement weather and resultant hazards, such as flooding or landslides, could persist well after weather 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.