A devastating situation unfolded in the southern region of Orenburg, Russia, near Kazakhstan, as a dam along the Ural River failed, resulting in significant flooding and loss of life. According to reports from CNN, the dam couldn't withstand the rising water levels, leading to its collapse in two places.
Local authorities informed TASS that over 4,000 people, including more than 1,000 children, have been evacuated from the affected areas. Plans are underway to set up nearly 500 temporary shelters to accommodate over 80,000 individuals who have been displaced by the flooding.
The dam's failure has been attributed to inadequate maintenance of the hydraulic structure. A criminal investigation has been launched by the regional prosecutor's office to determine responsibility for the disaster.
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The Ural River's water level had risen to almost double the dam's capacity by Saturday morning, exacerbating the flooding in several districts of Orsk, a city with a population of approximately 230,000 people. TASS reported that nearly 2,400 residential buildings were inundated with floodwaters, posing a severe threat to residents' safety and livelihoods.
In response to the escalating crisis, Sergey Salmin, the head of the Orenburg region, declared a state of emergency in Orenburg. He issued a stern warning urging residents in flood-prone areas to evacuate immediately to avoid potential harm. Those who refuse to comply with evacuation orders will be forcibly removed with the assistance of law enforcement officers.
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Orsk, the city directly impacted by the flooding, shares a border with Kazakhstan, intensifying concerns about the disaster's regional implications. The severity of the situation necessitates swift and coordinated efforts to ensure the safety and well-being of affected individuals and communities.
The catastrophic failure of the dam in Orsk has unleashed widespread flooding, prompting mass evacuations and emergency response efforts. With thousands displaced and countless properties submerged, urgent measures are underway to mitigate the crisis and safeguard lives in the affected regions.
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