Flooding in Russia’s far-eastern Amur Region, where about 1,500 residents have been forced to flee their homes, is only expected to worsen in the coming days.
Flooding in Russia’s far-eastern Amur Region, where about 1,500 residents have been forced to flee their homes, is only expected to worsen in the coming days.
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© RIA Novosti . Press service of the Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations
/ The flooding began on July 20, with water inundating almost 150 homes and other buildings.
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© Ministry of Emergency Situations of the Amur region
A week ago, the flood waters retreated. However, heavy rains during the past few days have again caused the river to overflow.
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© RIA Novosti . Press service of the Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations
/ The flood response efforts have involved more than 180 people and heavy machinery, including two aircraft.
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© RIA Novosti . Ministry of Emergency Situations of the Amur region
Flooding in the Amur Region.
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© Photo courtesy of the Government of the Amur region
A response team has arrived in an affected area to provide assistance to local residents.
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© Photo courtesy of the Government of the Amur region
Some 100 military servicemen taking part in response activities in an emergency zone.
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© The Zeya hydroelectric power plant
On Thursday, the Zeya hydroelectric power plant may begin dumping water that it cannot contain into an already overflowing reservoir. Plant workers expect the water levels to exceed 317.5 meter, the benchmark for water discharge, if the weather forecast in unfavorable.
Heavy rains are expected in most districts of the Amur Region on Thursday and Friday. This may intensify flooding in the city of Blagoveshchensk.
Potential flooding in the city is believed to threaten 210 private homes, 66 residential houses, three dormitories, three kindergartens and three schools.
The flooding is expected to affect upwards of 16,000 people.
Preparations for flooding in Blagoveshchensk.
The city has enough food supplies and required equipment.
Replenishing fresh water supplies is now a priority for local residents.
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© RIA Novosti . Ivan Belozerov
Preparations for flooding in Blagoveshchensk.
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© Photo courtesy of the press service for the Far Eastern Federal District
/ On Wednesday, Russia’s emergency situations minister, Vladimir Puchkov, declared the flooding a “federal emergency.” He ordered engineering troops and emergency crews to provide assistance in the region
