Situation stable in flooded Kostanay oblast: authorities

The situation has improved at the flooded territories in Kostanay oblast, Tengrinews.kz reports citing the press-service of Kazakhstan Ministry of Emergency Situations. “Since the situation at flooded territories of Kostanay oblast stabilized and the rescue works were competed, the decision was made to return the forces of the Kazakhstan Ministry of Emergency Situations back to their garrisons at 09:00 a.m. on August 14,” the message states. The works on elimination of the consequences of the emergency situation and rendering support to people in Taranovka region of the oblast will be continued by the forces of the Emergency Situations Department of Kostanay oblast and local executive authorities (51 vehicles and 154 people). “The remaining water is pumped out by AC-40 fire-fighting vehicles, power pumps and fire pump trucks. Water is being released from Karatomar Water Reservoir,” the Ministry reports. According to the press-service, water release from Karatomar Water Reservoir may cause flooding of summer houses along the Tobol River. To prevent and monitor water inflow in the area, the authorities set up 6 temporary gauging stations near Kostanay. Recent rains flooded Karabaly and Taranovka regions of Kostanai oblast. The flood was caused by a dam failure on the Ayat River when the dam failed to hold the water inflow from Russia. Water level raised in the Ayat and Tobol rivers.