The Russian city of Orenburg is facing a major crisis as rising water levels have caused widespread flooding in the region. Over 110,000 people have been forced from their homes in Russia’s Ural Mountains, Siberia, and Kazakhstan as major rivers burst their banks in the worst flooding seen in nearly a century.
Residents in Orenburg described the waters of the Ural rising swiftly and beyond breaking point, leaving them with no choice but to flee with just their children, pets, and a few belongings. The situation has become dire, with whole areas of the city underwater and the river continuing to rise.
Officials have warned that the river is expected to rise even further, adding to the already catastrophic situation. The flooding has not only affected Orenburg but has also struck other regions in Russia and Kazakhstan, with water levels rising in Siberia and near the Volga River.
After the Ural burst through dam embankments in Orsk, upstream from Orenburg, residents expressed anger over the handling of the situation by local officials. Some have demanded greater compensation and assistance from President Vladimir Putin.
While the Kremlin stated that Putin is being updated regularly on the situation, there are currently no plans for him to visit the affected areas. In Orenburg, residents are disappointed with the lack of preparation by local officials for the annual snow melt.
Emergency workers have attributed the severity of the flooding to a combination of factors, including waterlogged soils before winter and rapid snow melt due to rising spring temperatures and heavy rains. Climate researchers have warned that rising temperatures could lead to more extreme weather events, emphasizing the importance of addressing climate change.
In Kazakhstan, the situation is equally dire, with over 97,000 evacuees and a state of emergency in effect in eight regions of the country. Emergency workers have been working tirelessly to remove water from flooded areas, but the challenges remain significant.
As the region continues to battle the devastating effects of the flooding, residents are left hoping for swift action and support from authorities to help them recover from this unprecedented natural disaster.