Russia, Kazakhstan: Widespread floods reported in parts of Russia and Kazakhstan as of April 4

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

As of April 4, flooding was reported in the following areas:

• Altay Krai, Russia: Flooding in 51 settlements; most severe in Mikhailovsky and Pervomaisky districts.

• North Region, Kazakhstan: Emergency declared in Petropavlovsk and Taynshinsky Region due to flooding.

• Novosibirsk, Russia: Closures on N-1212, N-1206, and N-1211 highways in Kochenevsky District.

• Orenburg Oblast, Russia: Authorities declared a state of emergency on April 4 (see additional detail below).

• Samara Oblast, Russia: Heightened alert regime in place. Flooding reported in Alekseevsky, Bolshechernigovsky, Bolsheglunitsky, Elkhovsky, Pestravsky, Stavropol, and Volzhsky districts.

• Saratov Oblast, Russia: Flood-related road restrictions reported in Aleksandrovo-Gaisky, Atkarsky, Balakovsky, Ekaterinovsky, Ivanteevsky, Kalininsky, Lysogorsky, Novouzensky, Perelyubsky, Pugachevsky, Rivne, and Federovsky districts.

• Tatarstan, Russia: Flooding in Aznakaevsky and Buinsky districts.

• West Kazakhstan: State of emergency in place. Flooding in six districts and the city of Uralsk. Approximately 7,000 people evacuated.

Although flooding was not reported as of April 4, authorities warn that flooding is possible in the following regions:

• Bashkortostan, Russia

• Kemerovo Oblast, Russia

• Krasnoyarsk Oblast, Russia

• Kurgan Oblast, Russia

Authorities declared a state of emergency in Orenburg Oblast on April 4 due to widespread flooding. As of April 4, 982 individuals had been evacuated across the region. Authorities expect flooding to peak in the coming days. Traffic on the Samara-Orenburg highway resumed on April 3 after temporarily stopping due to flooding. Authorities note that the city of Orsk faces a particularly severe flooding threat.

Further meltwater runoff could trigger 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 mandatory 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 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 with heavy rainfall and potential track inundation. Localized business disruptions may occur in low-lying and riverine areas.

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