Kazakh Prime Minister Olzhas
Bektenov, who heads the national headquarters for coordination of flood control
measures and elimination of their consequences, inspected the condition of the
Zhaiyk River. During his aerial inspection, he surveyed the Uzynkol reservoir
and the cascade of reservoirs towards the city of Atyrau, instructing to
maximize water accumulation in the hydrological system to reduce pressure on
residential areas. High water has already caused significant damage in the
territory of Russia and is moving towards Kazakhstan. With the water level in
the Zhaiyk River exceeding seven meters and expected to rise, reaching a
critical level of 8.5 meters, Bektenov highlighted the immediate priority of
protecting Oral and Atyrau.
“This is the largest flood in the
past 30 years. All resources are currently mobilized. Dams are being erected in
the most dangerous areas along the coast. Approximately 200 units of equipment
and over a thousand people are involved in the shore protection works. The
total length of the dams is 33 kilometers. Work is proceeding at an accelerated
pace as the water approaches,” said Rauan Khussainov, Acting Director of the West
Kazakhstan branch of ‘Kazvodkhoz’.
First Deputy Prime Minister
inspects villages in North Kazakhstan region
First Deputy Prime Minister Roman
Sklyar inspected villages in the North Kazakhstan region facing a high risk of
flooding. He assessed the flood defenses and directed efforts to reinforce
dams. He also emphasized the importance of readiness for adverse scenarios in
flood control measures. Sklyar underscored that no one should be left in
danger, and if necessary, evacuation should be conducted.
