ASTANA: Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has addressed the nation in light of the devastating flood crisis currently gripping the country. The president’s statement, released via Akorda and reported by Trend, highlights the gravity of the situation stemming from spring floods induced by heavy snowmelt.
Describing the calamity as potentially the most severe in over 80 years, President Tokayev revealed that emergency has been imposed in ten regions across the nation: Abay, Akmola, Aktobe, Atyrau, West Kazakhstan, Karaganda, Kostanay, Pavlodar, North Kazakhstan, and Ulytau.
President Tokayev emphasized the government’s intensified efforts to mitigate the aftermath of the floods. Under his directives, a Republican headquarters, headed by the Prime Minister, has been established. Notably, government officials, including the Prime Minister, his deputies, and the Minister for Emergency Situations, are actively visiting the affected regions. The President himself is overseeing all rescue operations on the ground.
Utilizing all available resources, including the Ministry of Emergency Situations, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the National Guard, the Armed Forces, and the National Security Committee, the government is mobilizing a robust response to combat the disaster. Regional authorities, supported by tens of thousands of volunteers, are tirelessly engaged in relief efforts.
Despite the daunting challenges, President Tokayev stressed the paramount importance of preserving life above all else. He assured those affected by the floods of the state’s commitment to providing financial and other necessary assistance to mitigate their losses.
The President emphasized the imperative of learning from this catastrophe, calling for continued effective coordination between the government and local authorities in flood control efforts. Measures to maintain law and order in affected areas, including the deployment of additional military units, were also announced.
President Tokayev announced plans to disperse state reserves and swiftly develop a mechanism for compensating damages, ensuring transparency and fairness in distribution. Deputy prime ministers will be dispatched to oversee governmental efforts in flood-affected regions until normalcy is restored.
President Tokayev expressed gratitude to all involved in the rescue operations, rallying the nation toward unity and solidarity in overcoming this unprecedented disaster.
