Far East population suffering from flood needs fresh water – experts

Oksana Nikitina, coordinator of projects for preservation of fresh water eco systems and sustainable hydro power of the WWF, Yelena Korovina, Director of the Institute for Ecology of the International Independent Ecological-Political University, Sergey Golubchikov, Director of the Science Department of the said university, Vladimir Ilyinsky, a member of the International Academy of Sciences of Ecology and Life Protection, Kirill Kuzishchin, a professor of the Subdepartment of Ichthyology of the Biological Faculty of the MSU named after M.V. Lomonosov, and Alexander Khaustov, a professor of the Ecology Faculty of the Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia have discussed the Far East flood.

Khaustov emphasized the need of the region in fresh water. He noted that the risks of pollution of the Amur River by Chinese fertilizers my cause even greater repercussions.

Nikitina said that, besides the need to build dams and water reservoirs, the Far East should prevent people from building houses too close to the river.

Ilyinsky reminded that the biggest impact will be caused by micro organisms from flooded facilities and waste pits. He expects aggravations in spring. The expert warned that flood over animal burial grounds may cause anthrax outbreaks. The region needs fresh water reserves, he concluded.

Kuzishchin noted that fish will benefit from the flood and may only suffer from the fertilizers that could make them inedible. On the other hand, the fishing industry will suffer from losses, because salmons were searching for different breeding areas. Fishing of humpback salmon and chum salmon may be banned for some years, he warns.

Korovina emphasized that the situation was similar to the flood in Krymsk. The territory had high density of buildings, including areas of water reservoirs. She believes that a similar situation may happen in Moscow.

Golubchikov predicts reduction of yield by 30-40%. Soya production will drop. Nitrates and heavy metals may end up in agricultural products, the expert supposes.