GROZNY. March 4 (Interfax-AVN) - Preparations for the spring flood have started in Chechnya and several anti-flood operations have already taken place in the republic, Chechen Minister of Civil Defense and Emergencies Ruslan Avtayev told Interfax- Military News Agency on Tuesday.
"An anti-flood commission including officials of the Chechen Emergencies Ministry's leadership, government and all interested agencies has been established," Avtayev said.
According to him, the commission has organized the implementation of several top-priority measures related, in particular, to deepening and clearing river mouths and to strengthening shores, bridges, dams and roads.
"A decision was made to organize safe passage of flood waters. The Chechen department of natural resources and environment protection has examined hydro-technical facilities, ponds and industrial waste stocks and checked their readiness to the safe passage of flood waters," Avtayev noted.
The number of forces and means has determined been in accordance with the interaction plan. For example, forces and means of the unified federal troops group are assigned the training of special teams for blasting ice and preventing jams on rivers.
"In case of force majeure circumstances, it is planned to create reserves of food, medicines, fuel, lubricants and essential goods. Premises are prepared for the evacuation of people and material values from possible flood areas," Avtayev stressed.
He said that reconstruction and restoration of 10 hydrologic posts of the Chechen central hydro-meteorological service has been launched to observe the flood situation.
"Regular provision of information on flood situation development and timely notification of the population on the threat of localities' flooding are envisaged as well," Avtayev added.