Floods threaten Russian cities

RUSSIA / FSU POLITICS - In Brief 16 Apr 2024 by Alex Teddy

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Flooding has gotten worse in Russia and Kazakhstan in mid April. An unusually early and warm spring caused snow and ice to melt abruptly. The premature and sudden thaw means that rivers have burst their banks. Heavy rains have aggravated the situation. The Ishim River, which flows from Kazakhstan to Russia, is flooding. The capital of Kazakhstan, Astana, is on the Ishim. However, the buildings in Astana are mostly several hundred meters from the river so it is unlikely to be seriously impacted. Kurgan, Russia, is threatened by a major flood according to the regional governor. This is the worst flood for a century. Kurgan has 300,000 people and is the largest city to be in serious danger. It is the site for a major factory that produces infantry fighting vehicles. Since April 2 several minor cities have been evacuated in both Kazakhstan and Russia. Authorities prioritized evacuating geriatrics, children and disabled people.  There is flooding in the Urals. Orenburg and Orsk have been badly affected. Some people demonstrated against the inadequate response. The floods do not seem to be seriously impacting the economy. The population of the entire affected region is only about 2% of the Russian population.  The peak of the flood is estimated to be April 24.