Atyrau Oblast emergency services are preparing to counter a massive flooding in the area, because the water level in the Caspian Sea is rising, Tengrinews reports citing the local municipal authorities.

The water level in the Caspian Sea is expected to reach the critical level on June 15 or 16. The emergency services expect 5 to 7 km of shoreline to be flooded.

The emergency services provided no details as to what causes the increase of the water level in the Caspian Sea. According to one of the versions, noticeable level fluctuations in the shallow northern part of the Caspian Sea can be cause by winds. A strong wind can cause an increase of the water level by 50cm or more.

Residents of coastal villages, in particular Peshnyi village, have been alerted about the possible flooding. Residents of Erkingalin, Atyrau, Kenuzek, Dambin districts and Zineden and Zhanbai villages were also alerted about the flood. They were told to be ready for an emergency evacuation and keep their valuables, necessities and documents - things like IDs, clothing and food - at hand.

Last time a flood alert was issued in the area three years ago. Local emergency services and municipal authorities stood ready to counter the flooding and remedy the consequences. The water level of the Ural river increased by 4.5 meters from its normal level, but fortunately the emergency was avoided.

Reporting by Dmitriy Khegai, writing by Gyuzel Kamalova, editing by Tatyana Kuzmina