Spring 2026: which areas should prepare for floods?

RSE Kazhydromet considers a number of regions of Kazakhstan to be at increased risk of spring flooding in 2026. According to the main hydrological forecast, an increased probability of flooding is expected in Akmola, Karaganda, North Kazakhstan, East Kazakhstan regions, as well as in the Abai region. The forecast is based on the analysis of long-term hydrometeorological observations, taking into account the key factors of the formation of spring flooding: autumn soil moisture, the depth of its freezing, the volume of snow accumulation and the expected weather conditions during the snowmelt. A comprehensive assessment of the data indicates that the likelihood of rising water levels in individual rivers and the formation of meltwater remains, which, if the weather conditions develop unfavorably, can lead to flooding of settlements, agricultural lands and infrastructure facilities. In the Akmola region, risks are associated with possible excess of critical water levels on the Yesil, Kalkutan, Zhabai and Selety rivers. The highest risk is predicted in Astrakhan, Bulandyn, Arshalynsky, Tselinogradsky, Atbasarsky, Yerementau districts and the city of Kosshy. In the Karaganda region, increased attention is being paid to the basins of the Nura and Sherubainura rivers. A high risk of flood development is noted in Bukhar-Zhyrau, Nurinsky and Aktogay districts. In the North Kazakhstan region, special control has been established in areas located below the Sergeyevsky reservoir. The districts named after G. Musrepov, Shal akyn, Yesilsky, Kyzylzharsky and the city of Petropavlovsk are classified as high-risk areas. In the East Kazakhstan region and the Abai region, the risk is due to increased autumn soil moisture, significant depth of freezing and increased snow accumulation. Altai, Glubokoe, Zaisan, Tarbagatai, Samar, Ulan and Ulken Naryn regions are classified as high-risk territories in East Kazakhstan Region. In the Abai region, a high risk is predicted in the districts of Aksuat, Ayagoz, Beskaragai, Borodulikha, Zharma and Kokpekty. RSE Kazhydromet notes that after the opening of rivers from the ice cover, weekly provision of short-term hydrological forecasts will be organized to promptly inform government agencies and the public. Forecast data will be updated as the synoptic and hydrological situation develops.