“To establish a republican headquarters for coordinating flood prevention activities and addressing the consequences of the flood period in 2025... The republican headquarters is to take measures to coordinate the activities of central state, local executive bodies, and organizations in conducting flood prevention activities, ensuring citizen safety, and mitigating the effects of flooding,” — states the order from the Prime Minister of Kazakhstan dated February 21.
The head of the headquarters, Olzhas Bektenov, appointed himself, with Vice Prime Minister Kanat Bozumbaev as his deputy, and the head of the Ministry of Emergency Situations of Kazakhstan Serik Junisbekov as the secretary of the headquarters. All ministers, akims of regions, Almaty, Astana, and Shymkent are also part of the organization.
In early February, the East Kazakhstan region declared a state of increased readiness for the flood period. This order was signed by the akim of the region. Efforts to combat flooding have already begun in the West Kazakhstan region, where water was being channeled through a road near the village of Karatobe. Additionally, sandbags are being delivered to villages in the Abai region in case of a significant water threat.
In March 2024, large-scale flooding began in the republic, affecting many Kazakhs. Authorities in several regions declared a state of emergency. At that time, Tokayev described the floods as “the largest disaster in the last 80 years” and promised compensation to all affected individuals.