Kazakhstan’s Atyrau Region Declares Emergency as Caspian Sea Dries Up

A natural emergency has been declared in Kurmangazy District of Atyrau Region, Kazakhstan, following a sharp deterioration in local water levels.

The local administration made the decision based on recommendations from the commission for emergency prevention and response, The Caspian Post reports via Kazakh media.

The emergency comes as the Kigach and Sharonovka rivers, their canals, and coastal areas of the Caspian Sea face significant drying. The water shortage has already impacted annual fishing activities and complicated irrigation and pasture supply for agriculture.

“An operational headquarters has been established under the local administration, led by Deputy Head Marat Khasanov. An action plan has been approved, and calculations are underway for the necessary technical and budgetary resources to address the consequences of the emergency,” said Ruslan Zhumagaziyev, press secretary of the local government.

Experts warn that low water levels are disrupting fish spawning and migration, including commercially important species, and causing navigational difficulties for border, law enforcement, and fishing vessels.

Authorities have prioritized dredging fish passage canals of the Kigach and Sharonovka rivers, along with the Zharkosinsky and Ganyushkinsky canals in the Caspian coastal area.

“This will help restore navigation, ensure fish reach their spawning grounds, and reduce the risk of flooding in populated areas from surge waters,” Zhumagaziyev added.

Earlier this month, Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev emphasized in his annual address that the state of the Caspian Sea affects not only Kazakhstan but the entire region.