Tengrinews.kz - Water from the bypass canal flooded a cemetery near the village of Novoselovka in Kostanay region.
Due to a blockage in the bypass canal in the Kostanay region, water overflowed and flooded the cemetery. This is not the first such incident in winter, but previously, the water had never reached this far.
The canal was built in the spring of 2024 in the Karasu district, near the village of Novoselovka, to divert floodwaters. However, it frequently gets clogged, posing a risk of flooding. Residents fear that with the arrival of spring, water levels will get out of control and flood the village. Locals are sharing their concerns on social media.
"Didn't they know this would happen? Many people recently installed headstones there, and they are not cheap, but that's not even the point. It hurts, and it's scary for our future. The deceased took the hit, but the water flow past your canal is so strong that it could flood the village in an instant," local residents say.
"In the fall, people were shouting, but no one listened or wanted to listen. Corruption, that's all! Look at what they've done. The cemetery is flooded, and what's coming next is even more terrifying," villagers complain.
The Kostanay Region Emergency Situations Department (ESD) reported that due to a drop in air temperature in the village of Novoselovka, Karasu District, an ice crust formed on the drainage canal, causing water to overflow its banks.
"The water reached the cemetery grounds, partially affecting it. At present, the water is not spreading further. Local executive authorities are carrying out engineering work to deepen and widen the canal, as well as breaking up the ice to increase the flow capacity into the Kundyzda River. Six units of specialized equipment have been deployed. Rescuers are conducting patrols using all-terrain vehicles to monitor the situation. The situation is under control," the ESD stated.
Earlier, rescuers reported that they had sent a letter to scientific institutes to determine why the water is draining so slowly. However, no response has been received yet.
Meanwhile, the flood situation in the Karasu District remains concerning, as authorities have still been unable to drain the area between the lakes that merged into one during last year’s flood.