Massive floods in Kazakhstan that began in March became the largest natural disaster in the country over the past 80 years, the country’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said.

“A natural disaster has occurred, the likes of which have not been seen for many years. This may be the largest disaster in terms of its scale and consequences over in the past 80 years. Due to the floods, emergency situation has been declared in 10 regions”, - said Tokayev.

According to the latest data from the Ministry of Emergency Situations of Kazakhstan, since the beginning of the floods, more than 3,000 private residential buildings and courtyard areas have been flooded, 70 settlements remain without transport links. 46,755 people were rescued and evacuated, including 14,589 kids. Over 8,600 people and 1,700 pieces of equipment, 411 water pumps and 65 watercraft, as well as 10 aircraft are involved in rescue operations.