Kazakh Deputy Emergencies Minister Bauyrzhan Syzdyqov said on April 2 that more than 15,700 people, including almost 6,200 children, have been evacuated across the nation amid unprecedented floods caused by abrupt warm weather that led to a mass snowmelt. Syzdyqov said the situation remains "complicated" in several regions, where flood waters continue to rise. Three people are still missing in the northeastern region of Abai. On April 1, President Qasym-Zhomart Toqaev officially reprimanded regional governors and the cabinet for "poorly dealing" with the situation and called on the Central Asian nation's businessmen to contribute to the rescue efforts. To read the original story by RFE/RL's Kazakh Service, click here.
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Almost 16,000 Kazakhs Evacuated As Floods Wreak Havoc