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Tengrinews.kz – Hydrologists recommend Aktobe authorities to speed up snow removal to prevent flooding risks.
According to Kazhydromet, delays in snow removal could lead to flooding not only in the regional center but also in several districts. Five districts are at risk: Shalkar, Baiganin, Mugalzhar, Uil, and Kobda, as well as the city of Aktobe.
"The danger may arise not from rivers but from snowmelt since a large part of the city is still covered in snow. Of course, snow is being removed, but if they don’t manage to do it everywhere in time, residential houses may be flooded due to meltwater. The same risk applies to rural areas, where snow is generally not removed at all," said Galina Stankevich, a hydrologist at the Aktobe branch of Kazhydromet.
According to the agency, this winter, the ground in the region froze twice as deep as in 2024. However, due to the lack of autumn moisture, the soil is now absorbing water more quickly.
"Last year, the soil was cemented with ice. Now, as the thawing begins, water is being absorbed into the ground. So far, there is no significant runoff. Snow accumulation this winter was lower than last year’s levels. However, most of the snowfall occurred in late February and early March, exceeding February's monthly norm. In early March alone, in just 5-6 days, more than half of the monthly norm of precipitation for March fell," added Galina Stankevich.
Officials claim that due to heavy precipitation, municipal services have intensified their efforts. According to official data, snow removal is being carried out around the clock in two shifts, with special attention given to flood-prone areas, mainly private sectors.
In addition to contracting organizations, military personnel and aviation cadets have been involved in flood prevention efforts. Residents of gardening cooperatives are urged to be prepared for evacuation in case of potential flooding.
Photo by the press service of the Akimat of Aktobe region
"As of today, flood prevention measures are being systematically implemented in the city of Aktobe and across 12 districts. As part of the preparations, protective dams are being built, ditches, canals, and drainage pipes are being cleaned, and sandbags are being stockpiled. Ice-blasting operations are being carried out on rivers, with 22 such locations in our region," the press service of the Akim of the Aktobe region reported.
Meteorologists predict heavy precipitation and a sharp temperature rise over the next five days.
"In March, precipitation is expected to be above normal, and temperatures will also be higher than usual. Over the next five days, temperatures in the region will rise: at night up to 2-7°C, in the south up to 10°C. During the day, temperatures will reach 8-13°C. In Aktobe, nighttime temperatures will be around 4-5°C above zero, while daytime temperatures will rise to 8-10°C," said Larisa Tarasenko, head of the weather forecasting department at the Aktobe branch of Kazhydromet.
Photo of the Department of Emergency Situations of Aktobe region
According to the latest data from the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources, the Aktobe region is among the areas with a high risk of flooding.
It is worth noting that in the spring of 2024, Aktobe and the Aktobe region experienced a severe flood. A state of emergency was declared in the regional center and six districts. Due to river overflow, roads, vehicles, and public transport in the city center were submerged. Even the airport was flooded, forcing its closure and causing dozens of flight delays.
In the hardest-hit Uil district, an entire village was submerged, and many homes in the settlement of Ekpetal were destroyed. People had to be evacuated by helicopters. In the Irgiz district, which also suffered from flooding, residents remained cut off from the outside world until autumn. For several months, they could only reach dry land using motorboats.
