Flood-2026: 70 settlements in the Nizhny Novgorod region are at risk

      March 25, 2026 15:57 Society The winter period of 2025-2026 in the Nizhny Novgorod region is experiencing significant deviations in flood-forming parameters from the climatic norm. This was reported by representatives of the regional emergency management agency.

      Most water bodies have ice cover, with some areas having open water. In certain sections, the ice has darkened, with observed leads, edges, and water on the surface. Meanwhile, rivers are recording a gradual rise in water levels, but the intensity of the rises remains low, and the indicators are around or below the average multi-year values for March.

      According to the head of the civil defense and population protection department, Akim Kupriyashkin, during the spring flood of 2026, 70 settlements in 29 municipalities of the region may be at risk of flooding.

      Kupriyashkin noted that the risk of flooding increases in the event of accidents at hydraulic structures during heavy precipitation.

      "There are 561 hydraulic structures located in the Nizhny Novgorod region, of which 46 are unmaintained. Unmaintained hydraulic structures create a risk of technogenic flooding," emphasized the representative of the emergency management agency.

      According to long-term observations, in different years during the flood period, the region has experienced flooding of: 141 settlements (4977 houses and 4802 adjacent territories); 1186 hectares of agricultural land; 16 economic facilities; 22 socially significant facilities; 29 life support facilities; 39 sections of roads with a total length of 26.058 km; 31 bridges, including 30 road bridges and one pedestrian bridge.

      Due to flooding of roads and bridges, transport communication is disrupted with 15 settlements and limited with another four.

      Recall that recently the head of the region, Gleb Nikitin, held a meeting of the commission for the prevention and elimination of emergencies and ensuring fire safety. Participants paid special attention to the issues of the spring flood.

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