River water level in VK exceeds critical point.

Hitting the Jackpot with Kazakhstan's Flood Safety 101

In the heart of East Kazakhstan, the Bukhtarma and Poganka rivers are on a wild ride thanks to some serious downpours. The regional authorities have confirmed this fact, and they're working tirelessly to keep things under control.

The big boss of East Kazakhstan, Nurumbet Saktaganov, swung by the area to inspect the chaos. According to the regional governing body, those heavy rainfalls on April 30 led to a rapid snowmelt, causing the Bukhtarma River to go well above the danger zone. The village of Zubovsk has been underwater too, with groundwater rising and dams on the Poganka River pouring out, flooding 13 buildings.

The emergency crew has already sucked out more than 4,300 cubic meters of water and slapped down 2,000 sandbags. They're also shoring up the local dam like it's their job. Here's a friendly hint: it is!

In an official statement, they said, "Our operational command post is in action. The regional big cheese has ordered round-the-clock monitoring, with all relevant departments pulling together to stop any potential issues for the residents. Water levels are under constant surveillance." Don't worry, they added, the residential buildings are safe, no flood-induced house arrest needed.

So what's a flood, exactly? The Almaty Region's Department of Emergency Situations calls it an intense, temporary rise in water levels triggered by excessive rain or snowmelt during thaws.

Here's what to do if you hear the flood siren or notice the first signs of a disaster: Bounce, don't loiter. Get out of your home, warn others, and jet off to higher ground stat.

Before you ditch, make sure to switch off your stove, gas taps, lights, and unplug electrical appliances to prevent short circuits. Residents and workers near flood-prone rivers shouldn't ignore alert messages, either.

If you're told to skedaddle, use designated routes to head for designated shelters, packing your important docs and prized possessions.

Remember, practicing flood safety is key. In the past, the Ministry for Emergency Situations has shown us videos of what goes down in Kazakhstan's flooded regions.

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Flooding 101: Essential Safety Tips

Keep tabs on the news: Stay updated with government announcements and emergency alerts from the Ministry for Emergency Situations.
Evacuate promptly: Don't wait for a false sense of security. As seen in North Kazakhstan, preemptive evacuations can save lives.
Sandbag stations: Check out community collection points for sandbags to help protect your area.
Steer clear of floodwaters: Walking or driving through moving water is a major no-no, so stick to higher ground, especially near rivers like the Esil.
Post-flood precautions: Report any property damage to the authorities, as effective rebuilding is crucial to prevent future flooding in vulnerable areas like Akmola.

Prevention is better than cure, so here's what's in the works:

Early warning systems: The UNDP is beefing up digital flood forecasting in key basins like Yesil and Nura-Sarysu.
Infrastructure improvements: Authorities are tackling engineering shortcomings, still lingering from incomplete river dredging in places like Akmola.
Community drills: National Guard cadets and soldiers are ramping up their preparedness protocols by reinforcing embankments.

In the long run, consider supporting initiatives like the Water Partnership Initiative, which focuses on modernizing water infrastructure and cross-border cooperation from 2024 to 2030. Stay safe and dry!

The Akimat of East Kazakhstan is closely monitoring the flood situation in the Bukhtarma and Poganka river regions following unexpected floods caused by heavy rainfall and rapid snowmelt. To prevent further damage, reinforcements like adding more sandbags and monitoring water levels have been added to the emergency response efforts. These measures are essential, as shown in videos shared by the Ministry for Emergency Situations, showcasing the impact of floods in various regions of Kazakhstan. It's crucial for residents and workers near flood-prone rivers to heed alert messages and follow essential safety tips, like keeping tabs on government announcements, evacuating promptly, and avoiding floodwaters. In a proactive approach, authorities are also improving early warning systems, infrastructure, and community drills to prepare for future potential flooding.