At the Government session chaired by Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov considered the issue of preparation for the beginning of the flood period in Kazakhstan, El.kz cites primeminister.kz.
On the updated weather forecast data reported the Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources Yerlan Nyssanbayev. As of 11 March, the area of the country covered with snow is 71%, which is 15% less than last week.Snow melting has begun in the south of the country in Kyzylorda, Turkestan and Zhambyl regions, and in the west in West Kazakhstan, Atyrau and Mangystau regions.
"In the case of rising temperatures and heavy precipitation in the form of rain in March, high talo-rain floods are possible along mountain rivers.In the central, northern and eastern parts of the country snow accumulation continues, two or more monthly norm of precipitation is expected in March. For example, in Astana in the first ten-day period has already fallen a monthly norm of precipitation," Yerlan Nyssanbayev emphasised.
The Minister also announced the regions where the risk of floods is the highest such as Aktobe region, Kostanay region, Karaganda region, Akmola region, North Kazakhstan region, East Kazakhstan region and Ulytau and Abay regions. Regions with medium risks include Almaty, Zhetisu, Zhambyl, West Kazakhstan and Atyrau regions. With low risk are Pavlodar, Mangystau, Turkestan and Kyzylorda regions.
This year for the first time Kazhydromet has issued detailed information on each region. They specify maximum water levels and discharges, the volume of runoff by hydrological stations and the expected dates of the onset with the indication of specific settlements that are in the risk zone. Also, since last week Kazhydromet started issuing weekly hydrological forecasts. In case of sudden changes in hydrometeorological conditions Kazhydromet will notify about them by storm warnings 2-3 days in advance.
The head of the Government noted that while in the north of the country there are storms, snowmelt has begun in a number of regions.
"We are approaching the active phase of the flood period. Akims to take flood issues under special control. To ensure flawless operation of all public warning systems. We need to intensify information and explanatory work in social networks and mass media. Ministry for Emergency Situations to ensure full preparedness for floods and coordination of work of central and local government agencies," Olzhas Bektenov stressed and instructed to prepare a meeting of the republican operational headquarters in the near future.