Orenburg faces mass evacuation as Ural River floodwaters threaten
The authorities of Orenburg announced an immediate evacuation due to a sudden increase in water levels in the Ural River. "A siren is going off in the city. This is not an air-raid alarm. The evacuation is underway!" wrote Orenburg Mayor Sergey Salmin, who urged residents to flee immediately. Authorities warn that there is a risk of one of the dams near the city breaking.
The worst-case scenario has come true. The water level in the Ural River rose more than services had predicted. In the last 10 hours, its level increased by about 40 cm, exceeding the critical level. The current water level in the river is about 9.6 metres.
"The situation is critical, don't waste time!"
"Attention, inhabitants of Orenburg! A siren is going off in the city. This is not an air-raid alarm. A mass evacuation is underway! The flood situation in Orenburg is extremely dangerous. I appeal to the residents to evacuate urgently. Take your documents, medicines, and essential items, and leave your home immediately. The situation is critical. Don't waste time!" announces the message from Orenburg Mayor Sergey Salmin.
According to the administration of the Orenburg region, the Ural level near Orenburg broke the historical record, which was 9.14 metres. On the morning of April 11th, 5,000 lots and nearly 3,000 homes were flooded in the city.
SMS alerts to residents
The Ministry for Emergency Situations is sending out evacuation call alerts.
The First Deputy Mayor of Orenburg, Alexey Kudinov, announced that the flood peak will occur on April 11th. The water level will then be stable for two days before it begins to decline.
Due to the floods on April 3rd, the Orenburg region declared a regional emergency. However, on April 6th, after the dam burst in Orsk, the government commission recognized the flood as a federal emergency situation.
The regional prosecutor's office linked the dam breakage to its improper maintenance. The funds for its renovation were reportedly being systematically embezzled. On April 6th, the Investigative Committee of the Orenburg Region initiated a criminal case based on violating safety regulations. The damages in this region alone amount to over £410 million.
