📌 Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov held a republican meeting on flood preparedness during his working trip to the North Kazakhstan region. Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources Yerlan Nysanbayev, Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation Nurzhan Nurzhigitov, Minister of Emergency Situations Shyngyz Arinov, Vice Minister of Digital Development, Innovations and Aerospace Industry Malik Olzhabekov and a number of regional akims reported on the measures being taken.
🔘 According to the preliminary hydrological forecast of the Kazhydromet RSE, the weather will be warm in February, precipitation and temperature changes are expected, as a result of which freezing may occur. Warmer weather and more precipitation in March will increase the risk of flooding. According to the Ministry of Ecology and Water Resources, humidity indicators are above the norm in North Kazakhstan, Akmola, Pavlodar, Karaganda, East Kazakhstan regions, in the western parts of Ulytau, Abai, Zhetysu, Aktobe, Atyrau, Mangistau regions and in the foothills of Almaty, Turkestan, Zhambyl regions. In addition, the depth of soil freezing in a number of regions is lower than last year.
➡️ Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources Eran Nysanbayev reported that starting this year, in addition to the generalized hydrological forecast for the flood period, detailed information and advice are being provided separately for each region. They indicate the highest water level and flow, the volume of flow at hydrological stations and the estimated dates of the onset of flooding, indicating specific settlements located in dangerous zones. Also, based on data from weather stations, information is provided on the expected volume of meltwater in areas not covered by hydrological control.
🔷 Vice Minister of Digital Development, Innovations and Aerospace Industry Malik Olzhabekov reported on the introduction of digital solutions, such as the new Tasqyn flood forecasting information system. Flood modeling is carried out at 142 hydro stations on 128 sections of rivers. In addition, operational information on the amount of water released from reservoirs is automated and integrated with the GloFAS global flood warning system, which allows for early warning of threats.
🔷 Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation Nurzhan Nurzhigitov reported on the readiness of hydraulic structures in the country. According to the results of the research work carried out, today 74 facilities have been restored, 46 are at the repair stage, and design and estimate documentation for 18 has been developed. More than 1 thousand kilometers of canals, more than 153 thousand kilometers of river channels, including sections of strategic importance, have been cleaned, and repair work has been carried out at 205 facilities. Last year, the reconstruction of the Aktobe reservoir with a volume of 245 million m3 was completed. The restoration of 59 protective dams with a length of 312.4 km is nearing completion. The operating mode of all reservoirs was calculated based on the amount of water released. Active interaction with neighboring countries is being carried out within the framework of cross-border cooperation to ensure stable water use and prevent emergencies during the flood period.
🔷 According to the Minister of Emergency Situations Chingiz Arinov, today there are 1,223 settlements in the flood-prone zone. To protect them, 576 kilometers of earthen embankments and protective dams have been built, 822 kilometers of drainage systems, canals and ditches have been repaired and built. 960 water-passage structures have been installed and replaced on road and railway routes. Dredging, bank strengthening and channel cleaning have been carried out on an area of ​​​​about 500 kilometers in dangerous sections of 74 rivers. In addition, flood prevention measures have not been fully implemented in all regions. This was revealed during a joint inspection by the Government Office and the Ministry of Emergency Situations. The monitoring is carried out by the Emergency Situations Prevention Committee, which takes appropriate measures, including the administrative responsibility of akims.
📌 The Prime Minister raised the issue of the passage of the flood season in the Kyzylorda region, taking into account the increased water release from the Shardara reservoir and the threat associated with the partial freezing of the Syrdarya River. Attention was also drawn to the Atyrau and Kostanay regions, which are at risk of flooding. The regional akims were heard on these issues. In turn, Deputy Prime Minister Kanat Bozumbayev made a comment.
"It is too early to say whether we are ready for the flood season. There are a number of issues for which appropriate decisions have not been made to date. This is especially true for regions with a high risk of flooding. Now, first of all, it is necessary to check the actual level of preparedness for floods in settlements. I instruct to visit each settlement, comprehensively analyze the current situation and create regional commissions that will take appropriate measures. All akims will be directly responsible. Therefore, it is necessary to intensify work and implement the established measures against floods in detail,”
— noted Olzhas Bektenov.
Following the results of the meeting, the Prime Minister:
🔵 Regional akimats should prepare all necessary resources for flood prevention and elimination by March 1. It is necessary to remove snow from settlements earlier. Drainage channels and ditches should be prepared, and storm sewers should be cleaned. Settlements at risk of flooding should be secured with earthen embankments and special protective dams. It was instructed to prepare stocks of food, fuel, medicines, and equipment necessary for the livelihood of citizens, and to carry out preliminary explosion works on rivers if necessary.
🔵 The Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation should determine the volume of water accumulation in reservoirs, taking into account forecast data, and ensure constant monitoring of them. If necessary, it is necessary to take measures for the preliminary and safe release of water. In cooperation with border states, it is necessary to organize a regular exchange of information on the occurrence of threats in transboundary water bodies.
🔵 The Ministry of Digital Development, Innovations and Aerospace Industry, together with the Ministry of Emergency Situations and other state bodies, should use the potential of the Tasqyn information system to identify and predict actions to carry out anti-flood work in areas prone to flooding.
🔵 The Ministry of Emergency Situations should ensure the readiness of civil defense forces and means for rapid response. Together with the Ministry of Internal Affairs, it is necessary to develop algorithms for attracting rescue teams, including transportation by aircraft, and to work out issues of timely evacuation of citizens in case of a threat of flooding. It is also necessary to check the readiness of evacuation points and equipment for transporting people to a safe area.
🔵 State bodies should analyze the current legislation and, if necessary, make appropriate amendments. In addition, as in the previous year, a task was assigned to establish a republican headquarters to coordinate flood control measures and eliminate the consequences of floods.
📌 The Prime Minister instructed akims and departments to complete preparations for the flood season by the beginning of March.
📱 @KZgovernment

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/sko/press/news/details/938009