Flooding is a natural seasonal rise in the water level of rivers, streams, and reservoirs, caused by intensive snowmelt, ice jams, or heavy rainfall. Water overflows its banks, inundating low-lying areas, roads, yards, and residential buildings. This is precisely why timely preparation, attentiveness, and adherence to recommendations are so important.
To minimise the consequences, we recommend that residents living in potentially flood-prone areas undertake simple anti-flood measures (while observing safety precautions), including:
clearing snow and ice from the yard area;
clearing drainage and storm ditches of debris, branches, and ice;
ensuring the drainage of meltwater from enclosed depressions by creating diversion trenches (ditches);
if necessary, constructing simple water barriers from improvised materials;
removing items from the yard that could be damaged by water, and moving valuables and essential belongings to the attic or upper floors.
How to act in case of a flood threat?
Monitor official announcements from the Ministry of Emergency Situations (MES), local authorities, and Belhydromet. If a warning of potential flooding of the territory is received, it is necessary to take measures:
prepare a first-aid kit, a supply of drinking water and food;
turn off gas and electricity if there is a risk of premises flooding;
wrap money and documents in a waterproof bag;
follow reports on radio, television, and the Internet.
For reference: in the event that it is impossible for the population to stay at their place of residence due to high water levels, measures for the evacuation of citizens to temporary accommodation facilities have been planned in each region.
If there is no threat to life and health, to carry out water pumping operations from basements (cellars) and adjacent areas, please contact the utility service by dialling the single number 115.