The Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation during floods provides safe operation of hydraulic structures to regulate river flow and passage of flood and melt water to downstream, as well as accumulation of the design volume of water in reservoirs. This was announced by the head of the department Nurzhan Nurzhigitov at the Government session chaired by Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov. 

Thus, at the beginning of the flood period on 94 reservoirs of the republican property were created free reservoirs to take flood waters and its passage. As of 1 March, the average free capacity of reservoirs was 60%. Taking into account forecast data of Kazgidromet for the third ten-day period of March, we discharged more than 400 million cubic metres of water from reservoirs to provide additional free capacities. This allowed to take in additional 3 cubic kilometres of water with the beginning of the flood period. As of 1 April, the reservoirs have a free balance to accept more than two cubic kilometres of water.

According to the forecast of Kazhydromet for the short-term period from 30 March to 5 April, there is a risk of increasing the volume of water in the following reservoirs. In this regard, we are working on the timely release of water, local executive bodies timely provide relevant information to the Ministry of Emergency Situations.

Thus, 200 million cubic metres of water were delivered to the Aktobe reservoir from 27 to 29 March, which is 80% of its design volume. At the same time, together with local authorities, 15 million cubic metres of water was accumulated in the downstream in excess of the design capacity in order to ensure evacuation of residents. As of 1 April, the filling of the Aktobe reservoir is 86%, a transit inflow of 300 m³/sec has been established, and there is a possibility of accepting flood runoff. To assess the risks of increased inflows to the Aktobe and Kargala reservoirs, a flight and survey of the basins of the Ilek and Kargala rivers was conducted. 

"According to the results of the survey, we note that the Aktobe reservoir will receive an additional inflow of melt water, the level of which is not critical. In case of further inflows along the Ilek River, the surplus will be accumulated in the reservoir, which will reduce the level of the Ilek River for release through the Kargala River. Today, the Kargaly reservoir is in the filling mode, the level of which is 58 per cent," the Minister said.

The Astana reservoir received 150 million cubic metres of water from 26 to 30 March, which is significantly higher than the average annual inflow during the flood. To prevent spillage of water from the Astana reservoir on 29 March was carried out release into the lower reservoir to flush the channel of the Esil River. The release is 300 m³/sec. Samarkand reservoir, located in Karaganda region, is currently 100% full. Inflow is 1210 m3/sec, discharge is 1210 m3/sec. In transit mode. Sherubai-Nurinsk reservoir, located in Ulytau region, is currently 96% full. The inflow is 1157 m3/sec and the discharge is 1157 m3/sec. Taking into account the discharge and joining downstream side flows from Samarkand and Sherubai-Nura reservoirs, water inflow through the Nura River to the Preobrazhensky hydroscheme is expected to be about 4 April 2.5 thousand m3/sec. In turn, Koshkarbaev, Koshy, Taitobe are under the threat of flooding. In this regard, local executive bodies need to ensure appropriate measures. In addition, in the Ulytau region, 200-250 m3/sec from the Kengir reservoir in the Sarysu River is directed to Kyzylorda region through the Sarysu River, which will be collected at Lake Telikol, located in the territory of Kyzylorda region.

Today in the river basins of southern regions reservoirs are in accumulation mode, preparatory works for irrigation period are being carried out. Accumulation of 17 large reservoirs averages 87 per cent, which is 8 per cent more than last year's level.

"In the central, northern, western and eastern regions of the country, jointly with local authorities, work is being carried out to prevent a flood situation in the accumulation and release mode. Round-the-clock duty and daily monitoring of the water situation are organised at all water facilities," the speaker noted.

In 11 large reservoirs of the northern region accumulation averages 84 per cent, which is 5 per cent higher than last year's level. In the western regions, the average accumulation in seven large reservoirs is 68 per cent, which is 7 per cent less than last year's level. In the eastern regions, three large reservoirs have an average accumulation at 65% of last year's level. In four large reservoirs in Central Kazakhstan the average accumulation is 90%, which is 20% higher than last year. In addition, by 2030, it is planned to complete the construction of 20 new reservoirs in 9 provinces.

According to the head of the department, the commissioning of 20 reservoirs will reduce the risk of flooding of 70 rural settlements with a population of 137,000 people. To date, the Ministry is developing design and estimate documentation for 9 objects, including the finalisation of work on 5 objects. In addition, on the territory of 9 regions the works on reconstruction of 15 operating water reservoirs have started, which will reduce the risk of flooding of 64 settlements with a population of 75 thousand people.

"Today the main efforts of the Ministry and akimats are aimed at ensuring the safety of operation of all hydraulic structures and reservoirs to regulate the flow of rivers and the passage of flood waters. The situation on water facilities is under special control," the Minister summarised.

#Floods #Government session #water resources