Local authorities are evacuating residents and reinforcing river defenses as the Chita River breaches its banks, causing flooding. Some city districts are isolated from transport. With water levels continuing to rise, residents are concerned about a repeat of the severe flooding seen in 2018.
The Chita River`s water level has surpassed critical thresholds and is still rising. The inundation began when an embankment in a gardening association eroded, leading to the flooding of household plots.
Residents of affected dacha cooperatives have been moved to temporary accommodation centers. Areas like the Kashtak microdistrict and another gardening association are also at risk. An operational headquarters has been established, with specialists and equipment from the Ministry of Emergency Situations deployed. Chita Mayor Inna Shcheglova stated that river banks are being reinforced in several areas. The flooding situation was exacerbated by recent rainfall.
According to a local correspondent:
The Chita River last rose similarly in 2022, flooding the same dacha cooperatives downstream. Despite preventative measures like embankments and dams being prepared this year, water overflowed a dam near Chita, causing flooding in several dacha associations. Evacuations began in the afternoon, with staff using vehicles and boats.
As the water surge moved towards the city, one bridge connecting two districts was closed, halting trolleybus traffic. The water reached the base of the bridge, though not completely covering it. While not in the exact city center, this bridge is a significant connection point.
Temporary shelters have been prepared in schools and a sports facility, with potential nighttime evacuations from city districts along the river. Severe floods occurred in 2002 and 2018, affecting city buildings and private homes, which led to the construction of a higher dam since then. While the current threat isn`t as severe, authorities are preparing for the worst.
Regarding the evacuated dacha residents, they often decline official shelters, preferring to stay with relatives or nearby, hoping for quick recovery as floods typically recede within a day or two.
Local reports indicate the river level reached 343 centimeters, significantly exceeding the critical mark of 190 cm for water spreading onto the floodplain and the 330 cm mark indicating dangerous conditions.
Local residents expressed concern about a potential repeat of the 2018 floods, one of the most devastating in Chita`s history, which submerged over 500 homes and caused damage exceeding 1 billion rubles.
