The Ministry of Emergency Situations in Kazakhstan provided an update on the ongoing flood situation in the country on April 23, 2024. According to Vice Minister of Emergency Situations Bauyrzhan Syzdykov, over 5,000 residential houses, more than 16,000 cottages, 1,000 yards, and 91 buildings remain flooded.
Efforts to mitigate the floods are continuing in the West Kazakhstan, Atyrau, and North Kazakhstan regions. The situation has been complicated by water releases from the Irtysh Reservoir in Russia into the Zhaiyk River in the west and water inflows from the Akmola region in the north.
Meanwhile, stability has been maintained in the Abay, Pavlodar, Karaganda, Ulytau, Akmola, and Kostanay regions, with water levels in local rivers gradually decreasing and no threat of flooding to populated areas.
Vice Minister Syzdykov highlighted the coordinated efforts of the Ministry of Emergency Situations in ensuring the essential needs of the affected population, such as water supply, restoration of energy supply, and transportation services in disaster areas.
Evacuation and relocation of affected individuals are being promptly addressed on-site, with citizens receiving necessary medical and psychological assistance. Special attention has been given to vulnerable groups, including the elderly, women, children, and individuals with disabilities during rescue operations.
Over 119,000 people, including more than 44,000 children, have been evacuated from flood-affected areas. Currently, more than 32,000 personnel, around 5,000 pieces of equipment, 310 watercraft, and 13 helicopters are involved in the relief efforts.
Previously, the emergency headquarters in the Atyrau region provided updates on the water levels in the Ural River, indicating the continued influx of large volumes of water.
