Tengrinews.kz – Due to rising temperatures, three regions of Kazakhstan are expected to experience rapid snowmelt, which may lead to a dangerous rise in river water levels. This warning was issued by experts at Kazhydromet.
In Akmola Region, at the hydrological station on the Yesil River in the city of Derzhavinsk, a water level increase has been recorded. Over four hours, the water rose by 18 centimeters.
“As of 6:00 PM, the water level stands at 752 cm (the critical level is 850 cm). No ice phenomena are observed at the hydrological post (clear water). The water level rise is caused by meltwater runoff from side tributaries and the midstream of the Yesil River,” Kazhydromet reported.
Forecasters warned of a continued rise in water levels, with a possible exceeding of critical levels, which could pose a flood risk to residential areas, agricultural buildings, and local roads in the village and downstream areas, particularly those located on floodplain sections of the river.
In East Kazakhstan Region, from April 10 to 13, due to warmer temperatures, intense snowmelt and river ice breakup are expected, forecasters said.
“There is a possibility of ice jams forming in river channels. Meltwater and slope runoff are expected, along with rising river levels due to ice jams, meltwater inflow from gullies, tributaries, and upstream areas. As a result, overflows and flooding are possible!” stated Kazhydromet.
In Abai Region, also from April 10 to 13, intensive snowmelt is expected in the mountainous areas due to warming. Experts forecast meltwater and slope runoff formation, as well as rising river levels due to inflows from gullies, tributaries, and upstream. Here too, flooding and overflows are possible.