216 settlements may be affected by spring flooding in Tatarstan

On March 18, at a briefing at Tatarstan Government House, it was reported that in worst-case scenario 216 settlements in 42 municipalities (6,910 houses and 18,846 people) may be affected by spring flooding in Tatarstan. Moreover, 75.3km of motor roads, 36 road bridges, 48 socially important and 27 economic facilities may be affected as well. There are no oil, gas and product pipelines, as well as animal burial sites in the possible flood zone.

By and large, 68 settlements in 15 municipalities are in the high-risk flood zone, 106 settlements in 21 municipalities are in the moderate risk zone, and 46 settlements in 8 municipal regions are in the low-risk zone.

According to Deputy Tatarstan Minister of Civil Defense and Emergency Situations Nikolay Surzhko, the spring flooding situation in 2014 is featured by the excess in the average annual rates of autumn soil moistening and snow, as well as the possibility of achieving the average daily positive air temperature values at a later date.

Nikolay Surzhko continued that particular attention is paid to issues related to safe operation of hydraulic facilities. Currently, 120 hydraulic facilities are being inspected according to a joint decree of Tatarstan Emergency Ministry and Volga Region Department of Russian Technical Supervision Service.

Deputy Minister also reported that 199 ponds have not been emptied in Tatarstan, and, taking into account the total amount of snow, it may result in emergencies at hydraulic facilities.

Moreover, he reminded that hydraulic facilities have been repaired, river channels have been cleared and deepened, and pipe culverts have been repaired and cleaned while preparing for the spring flooding in Tatarstan.