Prime Minister of Kazakhstan Olzhas Bektenov chaired an emergency meeting on the flood situation in the western part of the country, where intensified efforts have been underway for some time to protect the region from high water levels. This was reported by the government's press service on April 29, 2024.
The head of the government tasked the leadership of the Atyrau region with maximizing the protection of the city and settlements from the approaching floodwaters. The government has instructed to organize work similar to that in the West Kazakhstan region, where preventive flood control measures, mobilization of military personnel and rescuers from 14 regions, along with engineering equipment, helped to pass the peak without significant damage.
In Uralsk, the dams built along 18 residential areas completely ensured their protection. The water did not reach residential buildings and social facilities in the city. Some gardening communities and a number of houses located in the floodplain of the Zhaiyk River were flooded, but residents were evacuated in advance.
As of today, the regional operational headquarters and the commission for the elimination of consequences have received about 8,000 applications, and more than a thousand houses have been assessed. 1672 families have received a one-time payment amounting to 100 MRP. The work to provide assistance to the affected individuals is ongoing.
"The flood situation is stabilizing. The peak of the high water has passed in the West Kazakhstan region. Here it is important to note the coordinated work of all involved units. Thanks to the joint efforts, flooding of 84 settlements was prevented, and the flood consequences in the region were minimized. Currently, there is no new threat of house flooding. I express my deep gratitude to all military personnel and employees of the ministries of emergency situations, defense, internal affairs, the Committee of National Security, local executive bodies, organizations, volunteers, and all caring citizens who participated in flood control measures," noted Olzhas Bektenov.
The main task today is the preparation of the Atyrau region. The water level of the Zhaiyk River is rising daily. It is about 100 cm away from the dangerous mark.
"At present, a large volume of water is flowing into the Atyrau region, and the peak is expected in the coming days. We need to mobilize all forces, utilize the experience of the West Kazakhstan region in attracting additional resources from other regions. It is necessary to ensure hourly monitoring of the water level, increase the length and height of protective dams. We must defend the region and prevent flooding," emphasized Olzhas Bektenov.
Currently, in the Atyrau region, over 13,000 people and more than 1200 pieces of equipment are involved in emergency and rescue operations. Over 500 km of dams have been built in the region, including 242 km along residential areas in Atyrau, using over 4.8 million sandbags. Dredging works continue at the mouth of the river, on the Caspian Sea: 1408 meters have been excavated, and 11,538 cubic meters of soil have been removed.
In conclusion, the Prime Minister noted that the flood danger has mostly passed throughout the country.
"The President has set a priority task of restoring homes damaged by the natural disaster, returning affected citizens to normal life. We must direct all our efforts towards the construction and repair of social facilities, housing, and infrastructure, as well as compensating people. All these steps need to be taken clearly and cohesively. Local executive bodies need to carry out constant explanatory work, meet with the affected population," summarized Olzhas Bektenov.
One of the main concerns today is the impact of floods on the upcoming harvest. To what extent do spring floods pose a threat to agricultural land, and will Kazakhstan have enough bread, can be found here.
