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Some rivers expected to rise to their highest levels in many years this spring

The emergency management ministry expects rivers in some areas to rise to their highest levels in many years this spring, Minister Enver Baryyew said at a news conference held in Minsk on March 3.

As many as 77 localities with a total population of nearly 55,000 people can be potentially affected by spring flooding in a worst-case scenario estimate, according to the minister.

Six areas – Palesse, the Loyew, Dobrush, Slawharad, Chavusy and Verkhnyadzvinsk districts – may be flooded, he said.

Flooding in the Palesse area is forecast to begin in mid-March, while the Verkhnyadzvinsk district will see flood waters rise around a week later.

The thaw of the extensive snow cover may cause problems for people living in rural areas, Mr. Baryyew warned.

He noted that the ministry was ready to handle spring flooding across the country.// BelaPAN