Devendra Kumar
Unprecedented floods engulfed the Russian city of Orsk on Friday night after the failure of a dam on the Ural River, forcing around 2,000 people to evacuate and leaving more than 2,400 residential buildings underwater. The city, with a population of 200,000, woke up on Saturday to find its streets submerged in water, with one-storey houses visible above the surface. According to Mayor Vasily Kozupitsa, the dam could withstand water levels up to 5.5 meters, but the rapid rise of the Ural River reportedly exceeded this level.
The water level in the river exceeded the dam’s estimated capacity, reaching around 9.3 meters, and authorities said the floods also affected other places in the region, causing the evacuation of nearly 4,000 people. The Ural River, which flows from the southern section of the Urals into the north end of the Caspian Sea, is around 2,428 kilometers long and is an important waterway for both Russia and Kazakhstan.
Emergency workers are using amphibious vehicles to transport local residents to safety, with rescue workers seen carrying dogs and other pets to safety. It is unclear whether the 2,000 people already evacuated from Orsk are included in the total number of evacuees, which stands at nearly 4,000. The incident has sparked an investigation by Russia’s Investigative Committee into suspected construction safety regulation violations and negligence that may have contributed to the dam’s failure.
As the city struggles to recover from the devastating floods, residents are left to wonder how the disaster could have occurred. The failure of the dam has raised concerns about the resilience of the city’s infrastructure and the effectiveness of flood control measures. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of prioritizing disaster preparedness and response, particularly in areas prone to natural disasters.
Despite the challenges ahead, authorities are working to provide aid and support to those affected by the floods. The Russian government has deployed emergency responders and equipment to the affected areas, and international aid organizations are also providing assistance. As the city begins the difficult process of rebuilding and recovery, residents are grateful for the support and remember the devastating power of nature.