Authorities in Russia's Kurgan region, located in the Ural Mountains, have ordered the evacuation of several areas today, Saturday, due to rising river levels following significant snowmelt and heavy rains.
This deluge has compounded the already waterlogged terrain from previous seasonal flooding, Reuters reports.
The Ural region of Russia and northern Kazakhstan frequently experience floods during this time of the year. However, this year's flooding is among the worst on record.
Kurgan authorities reported that the Tobol River has reached its highest level since 1994, prompting urgent evacuation orders.
"Time to gather belongings and documents, and find a place for your pets," stated authorities via the Telegram app, urging people to leave the endangered areas immediately.
Kurgan is home to a significant portion of Russia’s military-industrial complex, including a large factory producing infantry fighting vehicles for the army, which are in high demand due to the ongoing war in Ukraine.
As of now, there are no reports of the Kurganmashzavod factory being affected.
According to TASS news agency, emergency services indicate that the water levels in the Tobol River are expected to peak within the next two or three days.
Meanwhile, in Orenburg, another region impacted by the floods, water levels have begun to recede. The Orsk oil refinery in Orenburg resumed fuel production on Friday, after being halted by the floods.
Earlier in April, the refinery declared force majeure on its fuel supplies due to the flooding.
This situation remains critical as authorities and emergency services continue to monitor and respond to the evolving flood crisis in these regions.
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