Almaty region in southern Kazakhstan hit by floods and mudslide, state of emergency declared

Three areas in the Almaty region of southern Kazakhstan have been affected by the mudflow outbursts of the Kargalinka river, July 23, 2015. Local media reported 5 injuries and 900 people evacuated from their homes. A state of emergency has been declared across the affected areas of Almaty.

High temperature conditions in southern Kazakhstan over the last couple of days, intensified the snowmelt in Almaty region. As a result, the waters of glacial lake Bezymyannoye overflew on July 23, causing the Kargalinka river to flood. The mudflow from the overflown river basin strongly affected the areas of Chapaevo, Kargaly and Kamenka.

Video credit: Массагет порталы

Yury Ilyin, the city vice-mayor said: “At around 2.15 am morainic lake Bezymyannoye at Kargaly glacier outburst. The water volume of the lake stood at 40 000 m³ (1412587 ft³). The outburst caused mud flows, with part of them overtopping the dam on the Kargaly River. The height of the flows reached 10-12 meters (33 – 39 feet)”. According to Mr. Ilyin, the water flow in the Kargaly River is currently estimated at 10-12 m³/s (353.15 – 423.77 cusecs).

Video credit: tv24KZ

The Governor of Nauryzbai district, Kuanyshbek Kashkimbayev said the level of Kargaly River is up to 5-6 meters (16 – 20 feet). According to his statement, the Kargaly dam is still operational, and fully capable of handling the water level.

The warning of high risk of flooding and mudflow remains in place, as further snowmelt and heavy rainfall is expected in the period of 24 – 27 July, according to the National Hydrometeorological Service.

Featured image: Mudflow in Kazakhstan, July 23, 2015. Image credit: Reuters Video