Siberia Floods Worsen, Thousands Evacuated
Residents and authorities in the Tyumen and Kurgan regions are battling to reinforce dams and fortify riverbanks as new evacuation orders are issued and residents flee the inundated areas.
The Ishim River has risen to a critical level of over ten and a half metres, surging another metre and a half in just the last day. Approximately 20,000 people have been evacuated from the two storm-ravaged regions. Volunteers are working tirelessly alongside rescue teams to strengthen the banks and dikes in a desperate attempt to salvage what they can from the encroaching floodwaters.
"As you can see, the water is perilously close," said Alexandr Izmailor, a volunteer. "We are concentrating all our efforts on shoring up the dam to prevent a breach, which would devastate the homes in this area."
Evacuations Persist in Orenburg Despite Receding Floodwaters
Evacuations are ongoing in the Orenburg region as well, even though the water level in the Ural River has been steadily receding for the past three days. Nearly 18,000 people have been displaced, but many refuse to abandon their homes due to fears of widespread looting. Public anger is mounting, with residents accusing the authorities of failing to provide any assistance. One woman, whose husband died fighting in the Ukraine war, directly confronted the mayor of Orsk.
"We have received absolutely no help so far!" she exclaimed. "Naturally, I am distraught! I am helpless, and no one is taking responsibility. You stand there unscathed, while we suffer! How dare you! You wear a fine white shirt, while we have been left for two weeks without money, basic necessities, or even clean water. Don't you have any resources? ... What was my husband's sacrifice for?"
Authorities Defend Response Efforts
For their part, the authorities insist they are doing everything within their power to address the crisis. In Orsk, the Emergency Situations Ministry has deployed a water treatment plant to filter contaminated water. Over 400 homes have been cleared of floodwater in the last 24 hours, but more than 13,000 residences and 20,000 agricultural plots remain submerged.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
