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Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan Flood 2024 DREF Operation Update (MDRKZ013)

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What happened, where and when?

As a result of increasing temperatures and melting snow at the end of March 2024, several regions of the Republic of Kazakhstan were affected by heavy flooding. In response, local authorities have declared a state of emergency in ten regions of the country.

At this time, the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation has confirmed that the flooding has already peaked in Akmola, Aktobe, and Karaganda regions, while the peak in East-Kazakhstan was anticipated in the following week, in addition to a second wave of floods in the West-Kazakhstan region.

Weather forecasts further highlighted continued rising temperatures in the near future, melting snow at a high pace and filling reservoirs to their limits. At the time of this IFRC Disaster Response Emergency Fund (DREF) application, the area of snow cover in Kazakhstan was 15 per cent, with an approximate 40 per cent in the northern, eastern, and central regions of the country.

The flooding has led to significant displacement and damage to property. Response efforts by the Red Crescent Society of the Republic of Kazakhstan and other actors to combat the floods have been extensive, involving more than 16,000 personnel, over 1,600 pieces of equipment, and numerous watercrafts and aircrafts. Volunteers have also played a crucial role, with more than 25,000 individuals providing essential support to the affected populations.