Kazakhstan and Russia Coordinate Flood Control Plans for Major River Basins

The fourth meeting of the Joint Kazakh-Russian Working Group on Cooperation during Flood and High-Water Periods has taken place.

The Kazakh delegation was led by Gulmira Imasheva, Deputy Chairperson of the Committee for Regulation, Protection, and Use of Water Resources under the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation of Kazakhstan. The Russian side was represented by Dmitry Savostitsky, Head of the Department for Regulation of Water Management Activities at the Federal Agency for Water Resources.

During the meeting, participants discussed forecasts and specific features of the upcoming spring flood season, taking into account current hydrometeorological conditions. They also coordinated scenarios for managing high water levels in the basins of the Zhaiyk (Ural), Tobol, Yesil (Ishim), and Yertis (Irtysh) rivers. These plans are based on preliminary assessments of water inflow to reservoirs.

The parties agreed to commence a daily exchange of information regarding reservoir operation modes and water levels at hydrological posts starting March 2, 2026.

"At present, we and our Russian colleagues are meticulously monitoring the water management situation in the basins of transboundary rivers. Preparations are underway to ready reservoirs for receiving floodwaters," stated Gulmira Imasheva.