The flooding crisis in parts of southern Russia and neighbouring Kazakhstan shows little sign of abating. Melting snow has caused the Ural River to hit a new record-high two meters above it’s critical level.

Orenburg

The southern region of Russia, along with neighboring parts of Kazakhstan, is currently facing a significant flooding crisis. This situation has been exacerbated due to melting snow, which has led to the Ural River swelling to a record height. This rise in water level, reaching two meters above the critical threshold, has prompted the issuance of an evacuation order for a southern Russian city.



Evacuation order issued for southern Russian city

There's no sign of any respite in Orenburg. A week into this crisis, whole neighbourhoods remain underwater. The river level on Friday reached a record high of more than 11 metres, and in some areas only the roofs of the houses are visible above the brown water. The community centre Orbita now operates as a temporary shelter. It's cramped and it's basic, but at least it's dry for now. Basically, we provide everything, and all of our guests, everyone who stays here, is being given hot meals three times a day. Alexander returns to his home beside the river every day to feed his dogs, now stranded on the roof. He is 68 years old, and he says this flood is like nothing that's come before. I've lived here all my life. This is the first time such a flood has happened here. The last flood was in 1993, and it was much smaller. The water in the yard was only up to the knees. There has never been anything like this. Further south, in the flood-stricken areas of Kazakhstan, the ice and meltwater continue to arrive from upriver. In Petropavlovsk, flood barriers beside the Ishim river are being urgently reinforced with sandbags. President Tokayev posted this video, a dramatic music soundtrack, alongside scenes of military helicopters rescuing children, while concerned-looking officials tour the flood-stricken regions to try to reassure residents and encourage national solidarity. But there is more to come. The Ishim river is already at dangerous levels, and officials predict it won't reach its peak for another ten days. Paul Brennan, Al Jazeera.

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