Orsk Dam collapse
2024 dam failure in Russia
On 5 April 2024, the Orsk Dam in Russia collapsed due to flooding along the Ural River, prompting evacuations. Fifteen people died, while at least six others were injured and damage was estimated to be around 1.2 billion rubles (US$12.9 million).
Background
The Orsk Dam was built in 2010 for a water level of 5.5 metres (18 ft). At the time of its collapse, torrential rain was recorded in the area, while melting snow helped push water levels in the Ural River to 9.6 metres (31 ft).
Collapse
The Orsk Dam collapsed in the evening of 5 April, causing evacuations. Officials in the downstream city of Orsk said that the situation was rapidly worsening, and the President of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev called it the country's worst natural disaster in the last 80 years. The governor of Orenburg Oblast, Denis Pasler, also described the floods as the worst to hit the region in its history. In Orsk, areas heavily affected by the flooding included the Old Town, Nikel and Lesotorgovy. The dam was again breached on 6 and 7 April.
On 7 April, the Russian government declared a federal emergency as the Orsk oil refinery shut down, adding that flooding was also expected in Kurgan and Tyumen Oblasts.
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