Residents of Asha in the Chelyabinsk region are grappling with the aftermath of severe flooding caused by the overflow of the Sim River, as government officials scramble to offer assistance to those affected. On March 19, 2025, the local administration reported a decrease in water levels after a week of distressing conditions that saw 329 household plots, 95 residential houses, and 143 garden plots inundated.
According to the latest updates, 31 household plots were freed from water, but the situation remains dire for many. Heavy machinery, including two excavators and two loaders, has been deployed to alleviate the ice cover that contributes to flood levels, with blasting operations to weaken the ice scheduled to continue on March 20.
A resident, Marina, confirmed that while the water level had slightly decreased, the problems for residents were far from resolved. “Today we went to the dacha to rescue my cat because yesterday it was impossible. My son had to evacuate on a boat, and the house has seen quite a bit of water damage,” she recounted. “Today the water is receding slightly, but blockages still remain. The flooding has been massive—on Soviet Street and Tolstoy Street, people are reporting that water has come into their homes.”
The floods caught many residents off-guard, exacerbated by the rapid thawing of ice, which the local administration failed to proactively manage. Marina voiced frustrations shared by many when she remarked, “People wonder why the ice on the river wasn’t blasted earlier. With the rising temperatures, it was clear the situation was getting worse.”
The urgency of the response is underscored by the earlier evacuations of 170 individuals, including 38 children, with many being housed temporarily in the Asha hotel while others found refuge with relatives. As of March 19, the regional governor, Alexei Texler, announced during a meeting of the operational headquarters the measures put in place to assist the victims, asserting, “For such emergencies, we have a range of support measures in place. This includes a one-time payment of 20,000 rubles for individuals affected.”
With ongoing assessments, the administrative response will also include various forms of compensation for the loss or damage of property and financial aid for repairs. “Municipal commissions are forming to handle these payments regarding property losses and necessary repairs,” Texler elaborated.
However, concerns linger among the residents regarding the adequacy and timeliness of government responses. Marina reflected the collective anxiety when she mentioned her aim to assess the damages at her dacha, only to find that the street was not even on the list of acknowledged affected areas. "That area is a total mess!" she expressed. "They need to take responsibility for these losses, but no one seems to be accountable.”
As authorities ramp up their efforts, the flooding conditions also prompted significant logistical challenges in the surrounding areas. On March 19, reports indicated that overflows of meltwater had inundated roadways in Bredinsky, Varnensky, Kizilsky, Uysky, and Sosnovsky districts, leading to traffic disruptions. The condition of the Minyar – Asha roadway also raised alarms, with blocked movements reported.
Additionally, a local emergency situation regime had been declared earlier, with early evening inspections carried out by Alexander Grib, Minister of Public Safety of the Chelyabinsk region. He evaluated the operational readiness of the temporary accommodation centers and the preparations for the vital ice blasting efforts at the Sim River. “A total of 170 people, including 38 children, were evacuated from various affected terrains,” Grib stated.
The rapid response has seen participation from multiple agencies, including the Ural Training Rescue Center of the Ministry of Emergency Situations. They are actively working on pumping floodwater from the affected residences based on residents' requests and continuing anti-flood measures throughout the area.
Prioritizing the stability of the region, the governor urged local agencies to coordinate effectively and maintain focus on assisting those in distress swiftly. “It’s crucial that we take these matters of assistance and support very seriously,” Texler emphasized, foreseeing that the first compensatory payments would begin shortly.
Overall, residents of Asha are caught between hope for recovery and anxiety over the enduring damage. The community is now watching closely to see how swiftly and effectively local authorities will respond to their needs amidst the lingering effects of this natural calamity.
