Kazakh Businesses Rally to Support Flood-Ravaged Kostanai Region

As devastating floods continue to wreak havoc across northern Kazakhstan and southern Russia, major Kazakh businesses are stepping up to provide vital assistance to the affected regions. In the Kostanai Region of Kazakhstan, which has been particularly hard hit by the rising waters, companies including ERG, Allur Group, and RG Brands have allocated millions of dollars to support reconstruction efforts and provide housing for those displaced by the floods.

Why this matters: The floods in Kazakhstan and Russia have far-reaching implications for regional stability and economic security, as they disrupt critical infrastructure and displace thousands of people. The response to this crisis will have a lasting impact on the region's development and the livelihoods of its citizens.

The floods, which began last week, have forced the evacuation of nearly 100,000 people in several regions of northern Kazakhstan that border Russia. The situation remains dire, with officials warning that water levels are expected to continue rising in the coming days. Governor of the North Kazakhstan region Ghauez Nurmukhambetov cautioned, "a huge amount of water is coming to the region via the Esil River and will reach the regional capital Pertropavl and dozens of local towns and villages in a day or two."

In the Orenburg region of Russia, more than 7,700 residents and hundreds of domestic animals have been evacuated from the flood-affected districts. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov emphasized the severity of the situation, stating, "The water is continuing to rise. Large amounts of water are coming to new regions." The region's government has said that the situation will likely remain complicated until at least April 25.

The Kazakh government's response to the crisis has drawn criticism from some residents, who are demanding financial assistance to cover the damages caused by the floods. Protester Zhanar Shudabaeva expressed her frustration, saying, "The postponement of the mortgage payment for two months means we'll have to pay it back later with a higher interest rate. This is what exactly we faced during the COVID period. Forgive our home loans completely as we all are drowning not only in water but in debt as well."

The floods have already had a staggering impact on the region, with 13,000 private houses and 15,000 households currently underwater. The number of evacuees has increased by 10,000 in just a single day, highlighting therapidly deteriorating situation. Water continues to rise and spread to new areas, it is clear that the road to recovery will be long and challenging.

In the face of this immense challenge, the support from Kazakh businesses has been a welcome relief for many in the affected regions. The funds provided by ERG, Allur Group, and RG Brands will be vital in helping the Kostanai Region rebuild and recover from the devastating floods. The government's efforts to address the concerns of residents and provide additional assistance are bolstered by the generous contributions from the business community, which serve to highlight the importance of solidarity in times of crisis.

Key Takeaways

• Floods in Kazakhstan and Russia displace 100,000 people, affecting regional stability and economy.
• Kazakh businesses ERG, Allur Group, and RG Brands allocate millions for reconstruction and housing.
• Floods destroy 13,000 private houses and 15,000 households, with water levels expected to rise.
• Residents criticize government response, demanding financial assistance to cover damages.
• Kazakh government and businesses work together to address crisis, providing vital support to affected regions.