Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: Government of the Russian Federation – Government of the Russian Federation –
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Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Patrushev held a meeting on preparedness to ensure the safety of the 2026 flood and fire season. The event was held at the Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations' situation center. All relevant federal agencies participated—the Ministry of Natural Resources, the Ministry of Emergency Situations, the Ministry for the Development of the Russian Far East, Roshydromet, Rostekhnadzor, Rosprirodnadzor, Rosvodresursy, and Rosleskhoz—as well as the heads of the constituent entities of the Russian Federation. This format of cooperation helped prevent significant consequences from adverse natural events last year.
According to preliminary estimates from Roshydromet, precipitation has already exceeded normal levels across most of the country. Moreover, sharp temperature fluctuations are possible in the European part of Russia in late February and March, which could lead to dangerously high water levels. Furthermore, challenging conditions are expected in the Siberian and Far Eastern Federal Districts.
"In 2025, 34 hydraulic engineering and protective structures were built and repaired. This year, the Russian government has allocated approximately 9 billion rubles for this area of work, as well as for the cleanup of water bodies, which is a billion rubles more than last year's funding," said Dmitry Patrushev.
The Deputy Prime Minister announced that work on a number of major projects is expected to be completed by 2026. These include dams in Khabarovsk Krai and the Jewish Autonomous Region. Furthermore, starting this year, reservoir operating modes will be regulated through a new module in the Rosvodresursy information system.
Dmitry Kirillov, Head of the Federal Water Resources Agency, spoke about joint work with the regions to prepare reservoirs for the safe passage of floods and implement planned preventative measures. This work takes into account the climatic and geographical characteristics of the regions. Thus, reservoirs in southern Russia, including new territories, have completed their flood control tasks and are now filling. Reservoirs in central Russia will be ready by early April, and those in the Arctic, Siberia, and the Far East will be ready by May.
Dmitry Patrushev noted that Rostekhnadzor, together with regional and federal agencies, must continue monitoring the condition of hydraulic structures. Particular attention will be paid to abandoned structures.
The Deputy Prime Minister emphasized that all preventative measures must be implemented in a timely manner to ensure effective work during the season. Roshydromet, in turn, must regularly provide agencies and regions with high-quality and comprehensive forecasts, particularly regarding flood development. Furthermore, Dmitry Patrushev instructed that the opening of additional hydrological observation posts be considered to increase monitoring coverage.
The Ministry of Natural Resources has been tasked with overseeing the implementation of planned and preventive measures by the Federal Agency for Water Resources. This includes, in particular, reservoir management, transboundary cooperation, and flood control measures in particularly hazardous areas.
Following the meeting, Dmitry Patrushev emphasized that each responsible agency and all Russian regions must develop an action plan for various flood scenarios.
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