29 villages under threat of flooding in Kyzylorda region

“The ice drift on the Syrdarya River has already passed Kyzylorda city. Protective dams are in a normal condition,” chief of the regional emergencies department Beibitkhan Spanov says.

In his words, in northern areas of the region, river ice thickness remains at around 20-40 centimeters. 29 villages with a population of 70,000 residents face a high risk of flooding.

“61 evacuation assembly points and 71 evacuation reception points have been opened along the river bank. 22 temporary accommodation facilities and 13 warming centres are also operating now. 128 employees of the emergencies department, 25 units of specialized vehicles, six boats and 33 motorized pumps have been placed on alert,” Spanov says.

Experts say, if the ice drift on the Syrdarya River passes the regional center (Kyzylorda city) on February 22-28, it will reach Kazaly and Aral districts in the first half of March.