Kazakhstan prepares for floods: 37,000 rescuers, boats, and evacuation centers

Tengrinews.kz – Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov held a meeting of the national headquarters for coordinating flood prevention measures.

According to Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources Yerlan Nysanbayev, as of March 13, 67 percent of the country's territory is covered with snow. Melting has already begun in the Kyzylorda, Turkistan, Zhambyl, West Kazakhstan, Atyrau, and Mangystau regions.

Meanwhile, the maximum soil freezing depth is recorded in the northwest, northeast, and central parts of the country:

• In Kostanay region – up to 150 cm or more,
• In Akmola region – up to 139 cm,
• In Pavlodar region – up to 159 cm,
• In Karaganda region – up to 132 cm.

According to forecasts, March and April are expected to be warm, accompanied by heavy precipitation in most parts of the country, increasing the risk of floods. An analysis of the factors contributing to spring flooding has identified high-risk regions: East Kazakhstan, Karaganda, Akmola, North Kazakhstan, Kostanay, Aktobe regions, as well as the Abai and Ulytau regions. Medium-risk areas include Almaty, Zhetysu, Zhambyl, West Kazakhstan, and Atyrau regions.

Currently, the Ministry of Emergency Situations has deployed over 37,000 personnel, 13,000 units of equipment, more than 4,000 water pumping devices, and 640 floating units. The ministry's aircraft are on round-the-clock standby.

In addition, a reserve force of the Ministry of Emergency Situations has been prepared, consisting of approximately 1,000 personnel, 120 units of various equipment, 123 water pumping devices, and 39 floating units.

"The Head of State has instructed us to prioritize preventive flood control measures. The government is implementing organizational, preventive, engineering, and operational measures aimed at preventing and mitigating the negative effects of floods. Regions must remain in a state of high readiness," Bektenov stated.

According to him, local authorities must take comprehensive measures to prevent the flooding of settlements. All populated areas should be reinforced and primarily protected from steppe waters. Water drainage structures, bridges, and culverts must be cleared of ice and debris and prepared for the passage of meltwater. Riverbeds should be cleaned and strengthened.

"The bottlenecks in steppe rivers need to be widened. It is necessary to prepare forces and equipment, including specialized machinery, in settlements prone to flooding. Evacuation sites must be identified and fully equipped with all necessary life-support resources," the Prime Minister emphasized, issuing a series of directives.

The Ministry of Emergency Situations, in cooperation with relevant state agencies, has been tasked with ensuring round-the-clock monitoring of the flood situation in the country. In case of worsening conditions, additional forces and resources must be deployed, and potential response strategies determined.

Given the high flood risks on the Zhem and Kigach rivers, the Atyrau region administration has been instructed to take the necessary measures to protect settlements located near these water bodies. The Ministry of Culture and Information, along with responsible agencies, has been directed to intensify public awareness campaigns.

Previously, it was reported that Kazhydromet had analyzed the flood risk situation across all regions of Kazakhstan.