On the current flood situation in the regions and measures to protect settlements from flooding told the Deputy Minister for Emergency Situations Bauyrzhan Syzdykov at the Government session of the Republic of Kazakhstan. 

As noted Bauyrzhan Syzdykov, currently in Atyrau, West Kazakhstan and North Kazakhstan regions flood elimination continues. In the west of the country, the situation has become more complicated due to water discharges from the Iriklinsk Reservoir (Russia) into the Zhaiyk River. In the north of the country, water is coming from Akmola oblast.

In Abay, Ulytau, Pavlodar, Karaganda, Akmola and Kostanay regions the situation is stable, the water level in local rivers is gradually decreasing. There is no threat of flooding of settlements.

According to the Deputy Minister, today more than 5 thousand residential houses, about 18 thousand summer houses and 1 thousand yard territories, as well as 91 buildings remain flooded. 

"The consequences of the disaster were large-scale, damage was caused to settlements. 41 local emergencies were declared in 10 regions. Now in 3 districts of Abay region and Pavlodar region they have already been lifted," Bauyrzhan Syzdykov said.

According to him, the issues of life support of settlements in the emergency zones are solved promptly. This concerns the delivery of drinking water, restoration of power supply and transport communication.

The Deputy Minister said that since the beginning of flood elimination about 11.6 million cubic metres of melt water have been pumped out, more than 5 million units of bagging have been laid.

"For the first time new methods and approaches in rescue and emergency work have been introduced. For example, installation of pontoon bridges in Aktobe and North Kazakhstan regions, erection of water diversion channels in a short time. This allowed to ensure transport communication and reduce the risk of flooding," he emphasised.

In total, over 119,000 people, including over 44,000 children, were evacuated from flooded areas in advance. All available issues on evacuation and accommodation of the victims are promptly resolved on the spot, citizens do not need anything. If necessary, they were provided with medical and psychological assistance. 

"There were cases when rescuers had to rescue and women in labour, all of them safely delivered to hospitals. Animals abandoned by their owners were not left in trouble either," the Deputy Minister said.

He added that rescuers and all involved employees are working around the clock and in very difficult conditions. Today, more than 32 thousand people, about 5 thousand units of equipment, 310 watercrafts and 13 helicopters are involved in the liquidation. 

To carry out continuous emergency and urgent work in 10 regions, a large amount of specialised equipment, as well as other property, has been promptly deployed. 

"At present, on the instructions of the Head of State, akimats are calculating and paying material damage to the victims. We continue round-the-clock monitoring of reservoirs, taking all necessary measures to ensure the safety of citizens and reduce the risk of flooding," concluded Bauyrzhan Syzdykov.

#Floods #Ministry for Emergency Situation