Spring Floods Cause Caspian Sea Levels to Rise
The recent spring floods in Kazakhstan have had a significant impact on the region, with the northeastern part of the Caspian Sea seeing a substantial replenishment as a result. According to the Water Resources and Irrigation Ministry’s press service, the flow of floodwaters along the Zhaiyk River added 119 centimeters to the sea levels in April and May.
This replenishment was made possible by the construction of additional canals by the ministry in collaboration with local executive bodies. Approximately 7.4 billion cubic meters of water flowed into the Caspian Sea via the Zhaiyk River during the floods, with an additional 350 million cubic meters directed by the Atyrau Region branch of the Kazvodkhoz national water operator using the newly constructed canals.
To manage the floodwaters effectively, specialists from Kazvodkhoz conducted maintenance work on the canals, including cleaning and strengthening them. One of the notable projects was the construction of a 14.5-kilometer canal along the Sokolok Canal, which also helped direct water into the Caspian Sea.
Aside from replenishing the Caspian Sea, the floodwaters were also utilized to fill reservoirs, estuaries, and water meadows, with 12.4 billion cubic meters of water directed to various sites. Lake Balkhash received 3.3 billion cubic meters of water, while the Northern Aral Sea saw an inflow of over 1.1 billion cubic meters since the beginning of the year.
While the floods have caused devastation for many families, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has instructed the government to provide necessary assistance to those affected. Compensation efforts are currently underway to support individuals and communities impacted by the natural disaster.
