Flood Risk Eases in East Kazakhstan as Bukhtarma River Levels Recede

Due to heavy rains and melting snow, the water level in the Bukhtarma River has crossed critical thresholds, Orda.kz reports.

The East Kazakhstan region has been dealing with the aftermath of floods following two days of heavy downpours and rapid snowmelt. The sudden rise in the Bukhtarma River’s level and increased groundwater near the Poganka River were of particular concern. As a result, homes in Zubovsk village, Altay district, were placed at risk.

According to the Akimat, on April 30, water reached the yards of ten residential and three non-residential buildings. The flooding was caused by partially damaged drainage channels and overflowing reservoirs.

Rescue teams began pumping out water at the site, removing more than 4,200 cubic meters, laying 2,000 bags of inert material, and bringing in nearly 1,000 tons of rocky soil to reinforce the dams.

They also used polyethylene sheeting to protect the dam.

Yesterday, the water level in Bukhtarma began to decrease — minus 73 centimeters in 24 hours. Now it is 535 cm, which is below the critical mark. According to the operational headquarters, at the moment residential buildings are not at risk, evacuation of the population is not required. All involved services continue to work around the clock, monitoring is carried out, the most vulnerable sections of the dams are being strengthened,
reported the Akim of the East Kazakhstan region, Nurymbet Saktaganov. 

A similar situation happened in Zubovsk last year when heavy rains flooded private homes and surrounding areas.

Residents then forwent evacuation, while rescuers from Semey and Oskemen worked to drain the water.

Original Author: Ruslan Loginov