Belhydromet Expects Higher Spring Flooding Than in Previous Years

Belhydromet expects spring flooding this year to be higher than in previous years. This was stated at a press conference at the Press House by Helena Zubchonak, head of a department at Belhydromet.

“This year, spring flooding will be higher than in recent years. Maximum water levels are expected to be close to long-term average values. Almost everywhere, water will overflow onto floodplains. Peak levels on most rivers will approach dangerously high marks at which flooding of coastal areas has previously been recorded. The most challenging flood situation is expected in the basins of the Dniepr, Sozh and Pripyat rivers,” she said.

According to her, spring processes on rivers are currently under way in the southern and south-western parts of the country. However, ice cover still remains on rivers in the rest of the territory. Water has already reached floodplains on the Ptich and the Viliya rivers. Snow cover depth in river basins, including in Russia, ranges from 2 to 60 mm. Water reserves amount to up to 150 mm, which is above the usual levels for this time of year.

In March, a temperature contrast between regions of the country will persist. For now, weather conditions will restrain the development of spring flooding.

“Further weather conditions may either worsen the flood situation in the event of significant precipitation, or mitigate it in the case of a precipitation deficit, as well as positive daytime air temperatures and negative nighttime temperatures,” she explained.

The Ministry of Emergency Situations currently assesses the flood situation in Belarus as stable. No flooding has been recorded so far. However, in the event of an adverse development, 159 populated localities in 60 districts could be affected by flooding.