Russia has conducted a significant mass evacuation operation in the Orenburg region, evacuating over 4,000 individuals following a dam collapse near the Kazakhstan border.
The flood, triggered by heavy rainfall, has affected more than 2,500 homes, particularly impacting the city of Orsk, where approximately 2,000 people have been evacuated.
Video footage from the emergency services ministry shows residents being rescued by lifeboats amidst submerged homes.
The Orsk oil refinery, a major industrial facility in the region with an annual capacity of six million tons of oil, has been forced to suspend operations due to the flood.
This decision aims to mitigate ecological risks posed by the flooding, as reported by the Russian state news agency RIA.
A criminal investigation has been launched into the dam breach, citing negligence and violations of construction safety regulations. Initial findings suggest inadequate maintenance as a contributing factor to the structural failure of the dam, which was built in 2014.
The flooding extends beyond Russia, affecting regions in the Urals, western Siberia, and parts of Kazakhstan.
Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has described the flooding as potentially the country’s most significant natural disaster in 80 years, highlighting the widespread regional impact.
Orenburg Authorities Urgently Call for City Evacuation
Sergey Salmin, the mayor of Orenburg in Russia, has issued a compelling plea urging all residents of the city to evacuate immediately due to the potential flooding following the rupture of a dam in Orsk.
In a direct message conveyed via Telegram, Salmin stated, “Water may come at night, putting your life and the lives of your loved ones in danger! Everyone who is in the flood zone must leave their homes. Do not delay evacuation!”
According to Salmin, the situation is expected to deteriorate over the next two days. “The water level, according to experts’ forecasts, will exceed the dangerous level. Do not wait for this! Leave right now,” he emphasised.
As of April 8, the flood situation in Orenburg has worsened, prompting the declaration of a state of emergency in the city. This morning, the water level in the Ural River reached 872 cm and is approaching the critical mark of 930 cm.
Reports indicate that 2015 areas and 1535 residential buildings have already been inundated, with 188 of them submerged within the past day.
It is pertinent to note that, according to the latest census data, Orenburg had a population of 543,654 people.
The rupture of the dam in Orsk has triggered concerns about the safety of downstream areas, prompting swift action from local authorities to ensure the protection and well-being of residents. Evacuation efforts are underway to mitigate potential casualties and damage to property.
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