Over 10,000 troops mobilized to tackle floods in Western Kazakhstan

Over 10,000 troops mobilized to tackle floods in Western Kazakhstan

The national headquarters for coordination of flood control measures and elimination of their consequences, led by Kazakh Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov, discussed the situation in the Western regions of the country, where a second wave of floods is forecasted. Water from the upper reaches of the Zhaiyk and Sakmara rivers will reach the territory of the West Kazakhstan region in the second ten-day period of April. Currently, the Zhaiyk River in Oral measures 728 cm, with projections indicating it will rise to a critical level of 850 cm. In the Atyrau region,  water inflow is expected at the beginning of the third ten-day period of the month.  Consequently, the emergency response task force, comprising representatives from local authorities, the Ministry for Emergency Situations, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the National Guard, and the Ministry of Defense, will be bolstered to 6,000 people in the West Kazakhstan region and 4,000 in the Atyrau region. About 4,000 units of equipment will also be deployed. Bektenov instructed the Ministers of Defense and Internal Affairs to keep this issue under special control.

 First Deputy Prime Minister inspects situation in North Kazakhstan region

First Deputy Prime Minister Roman Sklyar assessed the flood situation in the districts of the North Kazakhstan region and the readiness of dams. Construction of fortifications in flood-prone areas has been completed. Overall, more than 160 km of channels have been widened and deepened in the region, with 15 km of dams strengthened. Mobile teams have been tasked with monitoring the condition of dams, while power engineers have been instructed to enhance round-the-clock work to ensure stable power supply during the flood period. Additionally, the situation with flooding in Petropavl will be monitored in real-time using drones to increase mobility. Furthermore, Sklyar instructed to re-check all populated areas where evacuations have been conducted for the safety of Kazakh residents.