Kazakh citizens demonstrated true
solidarity and unity in the fight against the floods. President Kassym-Jomart
Tokayev underscored that people managed to jointly withstand the havoc wreaked
by the elements. Today, at the Akorda Presidential Palace, he honored active
participants in the flood control efforts, noting that this year’s natural
disaster was one of the most destructive in the country’s history. A state of emergency
was declared in ten regions of Kazakhstan, with over 19,000 residential
buildings damaged and 120,000 people evacuated. Over 63,000 personnel from law
enforcement agencies, rescue workers, doctors, businesspeople, and volunteers
participated in the flood response efforts.
«The National Volunteer Network actively
participated from the onset of the natural disaster. Over 50,000 volunteers set
up caravans of mercy, delivering food and other essential items to the affected
regions. A significant contribution to this collective effort was made by the Zhurekten
Zhurekke (from heart to heart) campaign of the Assembly of the People of
Kazakhstan,» Tokayev noted.
The Head of State expressed
gratitude to the parents of schoolgirl Gaukhar Shaimerden, who donated all her
savings to the residents of Kulsary. He also praised the contributions of
90-year-old Orynshi Toktybakkyzy and Aliya Dosmukhanova from the Atyrau region.
The President thanked Kazakhstan’s fraternal states, international companies,
and organizations for their assistance.
«It is often said that hard times
reveal true friendship. Thus, some foreign citizens deliberately came to Kazakhstan
to personally assist the flood victims. I would like to take this opportunity
to express sincere gratitude to our international partners and friends for
their support,» he said.
Tokayev recalled that funds from
the Kazakhstan Khalkyna Fund have been allocated for the construction of new
residential buildings. Thus, over 2,200 houses will be built and nearly 10,000 homes
will be renovated. Domestic entrepreneurs also provided significant assistance.
The Head of State expressed sincere gratitude to everyone who participated in
eliminating the aftermath of the natural disaster and highlighted the Taza (Clean)
Kazakhstan environmental campaign, which aims to further unite the efforts of
Kazakh people in urban and rural development, as well as raise environmental awareness
in society.