Spring riverfloods in Nizhnevartovsk: Specific features

Abstract

Compared to other emergencies, flooding is considered the most common and devastating natural disaster. Therefore, the Russian state program on the “Reproduction and use of natural resources” currently states the protection of population and economic facilities from the negative effects of water as a topical priority. Nizhnevartovsk is located on the right bank of the Ob River and was built on marshy terrain. The average long-term water consumption here is 5634 m3/sec. River floods usually last for 60-130 days, with the maximum water levels registered in 1966, 1970, 1979, 2007, and 2015. In June 2015, the city authorities introduced a municipal emergency regime in some areas of Nizhnevartovsk due to the high level of floodwaters and flooding of a significant part of gardeners’ partnerships. The water level reached the maximum value of 1061 cm on June 19, 2015. After abatement in water, the city authorities together with the chairmen of gardeners’ partnerships examined summer cottages, where citizens registered and resided permanently, and assessed the effects of the flood as well as the state of roads and bridges in the flood zone. After flooding, many summer cottages could not be restored. Based on the water level indicators in the Ob River, the study develops the trends in the actual and calculated maximum water levels with components of the Fourier series. The results of the study can be used to elaborate city development plans and reduce flood damage.