Prime Minister addresses Kazakhstan’s flood situation

Prime Minister addresses Kazakhstan’s flood situation

During a briefing session, Kazakh Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov stated that the flood danger in the country has passed. However, the Atyrau region remains at risk. The water level of the Zhaiyk River continues to rise, with approximately a meter shy of the critical mark. The peak is expected in the coming days. Bektenov instructed local authorities to maximize protective measures in the region from the approaching flood, as it was done in the neighboring western Kazakhstan, where extensive preventive flood control measures and mobilized forces enabled the region to navigate the peak without damage. As of today, over 13,000 people and more than 1,200 units of equipment are involved in emergency and rescue operations in the Atyrau region. 500 kilometers of dams have been built, half of which are positioned along residential areas. Dredging works are underway at the river mouth, on the Caspian Sea, to facilitate the swift passage of a large volume of water. Bektenov directed to ensure hourly monitoring of the water level and extend protective dams’ length.  

“Thanks to joint efforts, flooding was prevented in 84 settlements in the West Kazakhstan region. Dams were constructed, and over 2,000 military personnel and 2,000 pieces of equipment were mobilized from various regions of the country. Overall, more than 11,000 people were involved. All of these actions yielded positive results. Now, the focus is on preventing flooding in the Atyrau region,” the Prime Minister said.

Over 1,600 families in the West Kazakhstan region have received one-time payments, and around 8,000 have applied for compensation for damages. Assessments for over 1,000 homes have already been completed.