Six regions under threat of flooding during spring high water period in Tatarstan

On March 24, speaking at a briefing at Tatarstan Government House on measures aimed to ensure trouble-free passage of spring floodwater in Tatarstan, Deputy Minister of Defence and Emergency Situations of the republic Nikolay Surzhko said that six regions of Tatarstan are at risk of being flooded during the upcoming high water period.

“Based on reports made by meteorologists, we can say that the most vulnerable are the areas with the largest amounts of snow,” he said. “Within this in view, I ask heads of Zelenodolsk, Arsk, Aksubayev, Pestretsy and Chistopol municipalities, as well as Kazan, to be aware that your territories are in the risk zone.”

The official called on municipality chiefs to thoroughly assess readiness of housing and utilities, road, energy and epidemiology services for the high water period.

“The authorities need to be fully prepared for emergencies and accidents,” Surzhko commented, remarking the municipalities need to complete anti-flood measures, including preparation of watercraft, engineering, road construction and others requisite types of equipment, as soon as possible.

Besides, preventive inspections of fire safety facilities in populated areas and providing watercraft for the settlements that could be cut off by the flood are required. “I ask you to personally supervise these measures being implemented,” he told the municipality heads.

Surzhko concluded that officials need to talk to people using all available means, including mass media, personal meetings, door-to-door visits, and others.