In dramatic circumstances, the dam of the Iriklin hydropower plant was interrupted, resulting in unprecedented flooding in the Russian Orenburg Oblast. The flood in Ural took place close the city of Orsk, Russia, caused over 2.5 1000 homes to flood in more than 100 towns.
The flood wave, which is the direct consequence of the dam's interruption, has spread to vast areas, posing a serious threat to the lives and wellness of the inhabitants. Rescue services have taken an evacuation action, resulting in safe spots for more than 4,000 people, including about 1,000 children. In total, there are 4,258 homes in the flood zone, with more than 10,000 inhabitants.
The origin of the disaster was intense melting waters, which had been raising the level of local rivers in the region for respective days. Despite emergency water discharges, the 80-year-old dam of the Iriklin hydroelectric power plant did not withstand the pressure. Flooding in Ural is besides the origin of ageing infrastructure, which has long been requiring renovation. She did not meet utmost weather conditions.
See recordings
Half of the Old Town in #Orsk#ruZZia Is watered. The vicinity is under Threat of isolation. The water level in the Ural River, which poured into the streets, rose to 9.27 meters – this is 2 meters above the dangerous level.
Karma! FAFO! pic.twitter.com/TH95lhtkxW
Orenburg region, Russia ❗
🌊 The dam in Orsk continues to collapse, the water level has excelled the critical level and is rising, and data about the first deaths expected. fast summary about floating in the Orenburg region 👇
🔹By morning, the water level of the Ural River rose... pic.twitter.com/v2fyrCi2hs
In der russischen Stadt Orsk im Gebiet Orenburg im Ural ist ein Damm gebrochen.
Aufgrund der Überschwemmungen in der Region wurde der Ausnahmezustand verhängt. pic.twitter.com/qFmE1aGAH3
Flood in Ural. Analysis of dam reconstruction
The consequence to the flood was immediate and decisive. Rescue services, supported by local authorities and volunteers, proceed their efforts to guarantee the safety and basic needs of evacuated persons. Temporary shelters were organised and humanitarian aid flows from different parts of the country.
Meanwhile, experts and engineers are working on assessing harm and planning to rebuild the dam to avoid akin tragedies in the future. The Ural crisis has become a informing about the request to modernise and keep critical infrastructure across Russia.
At the moment, it is crucial to supply further assistance to the victims and to stabilise the situation in the region, which will require coordinated action on many administrative and social levels.
mn
