A significant volume of water is currently en route to the Russian city of Kurgan, according to statements from the region’s governor, Vadim Shumkov. The Tobol River and its tributaries have swelled to levels twice as high as those seen in the major flood of 1994. Over the past fortnight, floods in northern Kazakhstan and adjacent Russian territories have prompted the evacuation of tens of thousands of individuals. The flooding results from rapid snow and ice melting compounded by heavy rainfall.
Mr. Shumkov, through his Telegram channel, implored residents in at-risk areas to vacate their homes immediately, cautioning that water levels could surge as much as 11 meters (36 feet) above normal. “This isn’t just a flood, it’s a genuine threat!” he emphasized, advising people to bring along children, elderly relatives, individuals with limited mobility, and neighbors to temporary shelters or the homes of friends and acquaintances. He also stressed the importance of gathering essential documents and valuables.
Kurgan, a city boasting a population of over 300,000, is home to the Kurganmashzavod military factory, which manufactures infantry fighting vehicles and light tanks. There’s speculation among foreign defense analysts that the factory might eventually be within the flood zone.
Further east in the town of Ishim, residents have also been instructed to evacuate due to elevated levels of the river sharing the same name. Petropavl in northern Kazakhstan has also been severely impacted by flooding from the Ishim River, along with several other rivers that traverse both countries.
Elena Kurzayeva, a 67-year-old pensioner from Petropavl, recounted her experience to AFP on Sunday: “I was evacuated yesterday, and within 15 minutes, the water had entered.”
Water levels in both the Ishim and the Tobol, integral components of the world’s seventh-longest Ob River system, are forecasted to peak around April 23 or 24.