Kazakhstan Increases Compensation for Flood Victims
Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov has approved amendments to provide additional compensation payments to flood victims in Kazakhstan. The resolution signed by Bektenov allows for payments of up to 553,800 tenge (US$1,241) to those affected by the recent floods.
Nearly 11,000 families have already received one-time payments worth 369,200 tenge (US$822). With the additional compensation, individuals will be able to purchase essentials lost in the floods, such as refrigerators, tables, chairs, dishes, and clothes.
In a government meeting on April 23, Bektenov assured citizens that no one will be left without help, and all issues are under the personal control of the president and himself. He also stated that entrepreneurs’ losses will be compensated.
The Ministry of Emergency Situations reported that the flood situation is stable in several regions, including Abai, Akmola, Karagandy, Kostanai, Pavlodar, and Ulytau. Water levels in local rivers are gradually decreasing, with no threat of flooding in populated areas.
Efforts to eliminate floods continue in Atyrau, North, and West Kazakhstan Regions. The situation in western regions has been complicated by water releases from the Iriklinsky reservoir in Russia into the Zhaiyk River. Resources from the Akmola Region are also flowing into northern areas.
As of now, thousands of residential buildings, country houses, courtyard areas, and buildings remain flooded. Evacuation efforts have successfully removed over 119,000 individuals from flood zones, including more than 44,000 children.
Bektenov has instructed the ministry and regional administrations to monitor the flood situation closely and provide prompt responses and evacuation if necessary. The Ministry of Ecology will increase the number of gauging stations on reservoirs and rivers, and the Ministry of Industry and Construction will establish an operational group to coordinate local efforts in restoring housing, social, and engineering infrastructure.
