Flooding in Atyrau Oblast unlikely: Emergency Services

Flooding in Atyrau region is no longer likely, Tengrinews report citing the deputy head of the regional Emergency Situations Department Marat Kurmanov who announced that the flooding threat had passed.

The warning was issued on June 14 to alert the residents of the possible flooding in Atyrau Oblast due to the rising water level of the Caspian Sea. Flooding of 5-10 km of the coastline was expected. Residents of Erkingalin, Atyrau, Kenuzek, Dambin districts and Zineden and Zhanbai villages were in the danger zone. They were asked to prepare for possible evacuation and keep all the necessities, such as food and clothes, valuables and documents ready.

In the evening on June 15 the water level near Peshnoy half island reached 109 centimeters against the forecasted 128. The next morning on June 16, the water level exceeded the forecasted level of 61 centimeters in Zhanbai village, but only a little: it went as high as 63 centimeters.

According to Kurmanov, to prevent the possible flooding 2 kilometers of dams were strengthened in Isatai region and 1.8 kilometers near Peshnoy village. Over 300 meters of the Caspian Sea coastline was strengthened as well. The population was alerted about the possible flooding and an evacuation plan was developed.

Rescue services are still on standby in case the water level in the Caspian Sea rises, and the situation is being monitored by gauging stations. "Emergency services numbering 3611 people and 472 vehicles are in full readiness," the Emergency services said.

Kurmanov explained that flooding in Atyrau Oblast could be caused by the so-called wind onset. Weather forecasts predicted a storm, but the Emergency Situations Department explained that the wind was blowing in the safe direction - away from the coast to the sea - and would cause no flooding.

Reporting by Dmitry Khegai, writing by Dinara Urazova, editing by Tatyana Kuzmina