Residents in Orsk, Russia staged a rare protest following the collapse of a dam and subsequent flooding in the Orenburg region. Protests are uncommon in Russia due to the government’s crackdown on dissent following President Putin’s invasion of Ukraine. The flooding caused over 4,000 people to evacuate, with 10,000 homes, including 7,000 in Orsk, being flooded. The regional government estimated the total damage at around 21 billion rubles ($227 million) and declared a federal emergency in the flood-hit areas of Orenburg. Preparations for possible flooding were also underway in three other regions.
In response to the protest, the governor of the Orenburg region promised compensation payments of 10,000 rubles a month for six months to those forced out of their homes by the flood. Orsk, located near the Kazakhstan border, bore the brunt of the floods that caused the dam to break. A criminal investigation was launched to look into suspected construction violations that may have led to the dam’s collapse. Although authorities reported four deaths, they claimed they were unrelated to the flooding. The water level in Orsk rose to 9.7 meters, surpassing the dam’s capacity of 5.5 meters, leading to the emergency situation.
Russian President Putin discussed the flooding situation with various regional officials, emphasizing the need for early measures to assist people and possibly evacuate them. The Ural River, which flows through Russia and Kazakhstan into the Caspian Sea, experienced rising water levels that led to the flooding in the Orenburg region. In another incident in the Smolensk region, an overpass collapse in Vyazma killed one person and injured several others. The overpass fell onto railway tracks, blocking trains headed towards Belarus and cutting off nearly 9,000 people from gas supplies, prompting a criminal investigation.
The rare protest in Orsk reflects the frustration of residents who were affected by the flooding and are seeking compensation for their losses. The government’s declaration of a federal emergency demonstrates the seriousness of the situation and the need for immediate assistance to the affected population. The criminal investigation into the dam collapse underscores the potential negligence in construction that may have led to the disaster. The communication between regional and national officials highlights the coordinated efforts to address the flooding and ensure the safety of residents in the impacted areas.
The flooding in the Orenburg region and the collapse of the overpass in the Smolensk region underscore the infrastructure challenges facing Russia. The incidents raise questions about the quality of construction and the preparedness of authorities to respond to natural disasters. The deadly consequences of these disasters highlight the importance of ensuring the safety and well-being of the population. The protests in Orsk and the criminal investigations launched in response to the incidents indicate a demand for accountability and transparency in addressing the root causes of the disasters. Moving forward, it will be essential for the government to take proactive measures to prevent similar incidents and to provide support to those affected by the flooding and structural collapse.
