President Tokayev meets with North Kazakhstan region residents

During his working trip to the North Kazakhstan region, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev conducted an aerial survey of the Kyzylzhar district, the outskirts of Petropavl city, and the Sergeyev reservoir. He was presented a report on the current flood situation. A state of emergency has been declared in six districts of the region, with over 10,000 people evacuated. During his meetings with residents, the Head of State assured them of the state’s commitment to taking all necessary support measures and providing comprehensive assistance, including one-time payments and compensation for property damage. Residents whose homes are beyond repair will receive new housing with necessary infrastructure.

“We are going through a difficult time. It’s a national disaster. But we can also see some positive changes. The water is gradually receding. I think the next ten days will be the most critical, but we are currently taking measures to reconstruct the entire country and eliminate the consequences of this disaster. As I have already said, the government will not leave any citizen without proper care. Payments are already being disbursed,” Tokayev said.

As the President noted, supporting every Kazakh citizen affected by the disaster is his top priority. Therefore, given the challenging flood situation and to conserve the budget, the government, ministries, as well as city and regional administrations have been instructed to refrain from organizing image-building and other major events. Tokayev also inspected the Petropavlovsk hydroelectric complex, crucial for regulating the flow of the Yessil River through the filling and discharge of the Sergeyev and Petropavlovsk reservoirs. According to the governor, floods in the region were caused by the active melting of drains on Yessil and the inflow of water from the Akmola region, exacerbated by ice jams on the river.

“Both reservoirs underwent a comprehensive inspection in 2022, and their technical condition was deemed satisfactory. As of today, they operate according to the regular schedule,” said Shugaip Ibatullin, director of the Kazvodhoz national state enterprise of the North Kazakhstan region.

At a meeting with rescuers, volunteers, and supportive business figures from the region, Tokayev once again noted the strong unity of Kazakh citizens during the emergency situation and expressed gratitude to everyone.