Kazakhstan – Floods/Mudflow (ECHO Daily Flash of 24 July 2015)

High temperatures intensified snowmelt over the past few days, causing the overflow of a glacial lake on 23 July and the consequent flooding of the Kargalinka river in Almaty Region, south-eastern Kazakhstan. As a result, mudflow from the overflown river basin extensively affected Chapaevo,

Kargaly and Kamenka neighbourhoods in Nauryzbaysky district, in the outskirts of Almaty city, according to local authorities quoted in media. The districts of Auezof and Alatau, as well as Algabas village, have also been affected. In total, nearly 900 people had to evacuate their homes, while five injuries have been reported and a State of Emergency has been declared in the city of Almaty.

Due to elevated heat in the alpine zone, snowmelt and intense rainfall is forecast over 24-27 July that may affect the river levels in Almaty Region, maintaining the risk of further floods and mudflow, according to the Warning issued by the National Hydrometeorological Service.