03 Feb 2023 | 10:49 AM UTC
Kazakhstan: Disruptions due to flooding ongoing across parts of Turkistan Region as of Feb. 3
Flood-related disruptions ongoing across Turkistan Region, Kazakhstan, as pf Feb. 3. Evacuations ongoing; further adverse weather forecast.
Event
Disruptions due to flooding are ongoing across parts of Turkistan Region as of Feb. 3. Heavy precipitation and melting snow in mountainous areas have caused river levels to rise and triggered flooding across much of the region, including in and around the city of Turkistan and the town of Kentau in central Turkistan. Authorities have evacuated more than 200 people from the village of Karnak near Kentau. Water pumping works are underway in several locations across the region. Further adverse weather is forecast across the region over the coming days, which could trigger additional flooding and hamper ongoing recovery efforts. As of Feb. 3, the National Hydrometeorological Service of Kazakhstan has issued yellow warnings (the lowest level on a three-tier scale) for heavy rainfall, fog, ice over mountains, and strong winds across parts of the region Feb. 3-5. Authorities will likely issue new alerts or update/rescind existing advisories as weather conditions change over the coming days.
Hazardous Conditions
Sustained heavy rainfall could trigger flooding in low-lying communities near rivers, streams, and creeks. Urban flooding is also possible in developed areas with easily overwhelmed or a 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 rainfall 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 some delays and cancellations at airports in the region. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight cancellations are possible in areas that see 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.
