ASTANA, Kazakhstan, February 18. Kazakhstan and Russia have established a continuous information exchange regarding floods, and this agreement was made during the working visit of Nariman Turegaliyev, the Akim (Governor) of the West Kazakhstan Region, to Russia’s Orenburg Region, where he met with Andrey Vyazikov, the First Deputy Chairman of the Interdepartmental Commission for the Spring Flood Pass in the Orenburg Region, Trend reports.
The main topic of discussion was flood forecasts and cooperation
between the parties during the passage of floodwaters.
Representatives of the government bodies of the Orenburg Region
presented reports on the hydrometeorological situation in the
region, measures for preparation for the spring flood, and other
key aspects.
"The most important natural object and the main source of drinking
water and water supply for the West Kazakhstan Region is the Ural
River basin. There are 87 settlements in its basin, where up to 75
percent of the region's population resides. Also, water is drawn
from the Ural River for domestic and drinking needs in the city of
Uralsk," emphasized Turegaliyev.
He also noted that, considering the forecasts and the preparation
of the reservoir for the spring flood, it is necessary to adjust
the operation mode of the reservoir according to the evolving
hydrological situation. This will help maintain the average
long-term water levels in the lower reaches of the Ural River. The
Kazakh side suggested ensuring that the water discharge during the
dry period does not fall below last year’s values.
The meeting resulted in an agreement between the parties to collaborate closely on flood prevention and to maintain continuous information exchange during the flood activity period.
To note, in early April 2024, the spring flood began on the Ural River and its tributaries. The water level rose to 12 meters, 2 meters above the danger level. Orenburg and Orsk in the Orenburg Region were the hardest hit by the floods.