Flood Warnings Issued Across Ukraine as Water Levels Rise
From February 20 to 25, several Ukrainian regions are forecast to experience rising water levels and potential flooding. Yellow and orange danger levels have been declared, specifically for:
- Kirovohrad
- Mykolaiv
- Odesa
- Kharkiv
- Cherkasy
- Volyn
- Polissia
This situation has been caused by a thaw, precipitation, and weakening ice. Significant water level increases are expected on the following rivers:
- Savranka
- Kodyma
- Velyka Vys
- Chorny Tashlyk
- Mertvovod
- Inhul
- Southern Bug (on the stretch from Oleksandrivka to Mykolaiv)
- Udy
- Lopan
- Merlo
- Siverskyi Donets (at the Zmiiiv and Izium monitoring posts)
There is a risk of partial flooding to agricultural land, farm buildings, as well as communication and power lines. Spring thaws often bring such flood risks to Eastern Europe.
Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko has instructed responsible agencies and regional military administrations to prepare resources for dealing with the expected floods and high water.
She urged residents in coastal areas to remain vigilant and consider this information when planning their activities. In case of an emergency, citizens can call 101. A sharp warming trend, prolonged rains, and widespread snowmelt have already led to flooding in areas including Donetsk, Luhansk, Kharkiv, and Mykolaiv regions.
The declaration of yellow and orange danger levels indicates serious risks to the population and infrastructure in the specified regions. The preparedness efforts by authorities and the call for resident caution are crucial steps to mitigate potential flood impacts. Given that weather conditions can change rapidly, it is important to monitor updates and respond accordingly if necessary.