Measures taken not enough - Alikhan Smailov on ensuring safety at water basins
The issue of safety on the water basins in summer period was considered at the Government session under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Alikhan Smailov, primeminister.kz reports.
Minister for Emergency Situations Yuri Ilyin reported that to date 487 authorized places for swimming in the Republic, of which 149 are communal and 338 are private beaches. However, local executive bodies need to increase the number of official and equipped places for swimming by at least 15-20% in order to have a safe summer period.
Over the last three years more than one thousand people drowned in the country. At the same time last year the number of drowned people declined by 43%. The main reasons for the death of people on the waters are swimming in unequipped places, leaving children without adult supervision, swimming while intoxicated and underestimating their own strength.
To ensure the safety of people in the water the Ministry of Emergency Situations, together with the police departments and akimats carried out a range of organizational and practical measures. In particular, it organized more than 45 thousand raids and patrols, during which 480 offenders were brought to administrative responsibility. In addition, at safe children's beaches, in stationary and frame-module pools lifeguards of the Ministry for Emergency Situations together with the akimats teach children the skills of swimming.
As Minister of Internal Affairs Marat Akhmetzhanov noted, with the onset of the summer season in places of mass recreation of citizens the density of foot police detachments is increased. Instructions on rules of safe behavior of children in public, recreational areas and ponds were sent to all educational organizations. At the same time, car patrols operating near the ponds are equipped with all the necessary tools to help drowning people with life saving wheels, vests, ropes, etc.
He added that only since the beginning of the year, patrolmen rescued 9 drowning citizens. Just the day before, police officers in Kyzylorda region rescued a local university student drowning in a canal.
I want to commend the act of Major Yerzhan Abdramanov for saving a drowning man. Such people should be encouraged and set as an example for others," the Prime Minister said.
Minister of Education Gani Beisembayev informed of ensuring safety of children in out-of-town camps, Minister of Industry and Infrastructure Development Marat Karabayev informed of control of operation of small size vessels, including in places of mass water recreation.
Akims of Aktobe region Yeraly Tugzhanov, of Almaty region Marat Sultangaziyev, and of Turkestan region Darkhan Satybaldy reported on measures taken in regions.
Prime Minister said that this year "Kazgidromet" predicts a hot summer, especially in the west, east and south of the country. Accordingly, an increase in the number of holidaymakers at water bodies is expected.
Summer has just begun, and the number of deaths in bodies of water is already increasing. Only for the first day of summer in the summary of the Ministry of Emergency Situations was 4 people drowned. The day before yesterday there were 9 cases in one day. Yesterday there were 4 more. And all drowned in prohibited areas. It is really a serious problem," Alikhan Smailov said.
However, work on preparation for the swimming season continues: the regions are equipped with official places for swimming, new beaches are built, and preventive work on water safety is carried out.
Head of the Government added that about 300 people drown annually in the country, about 100 of them are children. This indicates that the measures taken are not enough.
In Abay, Zhetisu and Ulytau regions, no official places for swimming have been established so far. And in Kyzylorda region, only four bathing places have been identified for the entire region. In Almaty region, many private beaches on the banks of the Kapshagai reservoir are not registered as official places for bathing," the Prime Minister listed.
In this regard, regional akimats together with the Ministry of Emergency Situations were instructed to intensify work on the establishment of safe places for people to swim with informing the population about it.
Head of the Government also noted that the main preventive work is carried out only in cities and regional centers. In rural areas it is practically not carried out.
Therefore, 60-70% of people, who have drowned, fall on the villages. It is necessary to work extensively in this direction. The population should be informed about the basic safety rules on the waters, first aid for a drowning person, and information on the availability of equipped and dangerous places for bathing," Alikhan Smailov said.
In addition, the Prime Minister pointed out that the irrigation canals in the southern regions are also a danger to people: most canals and ditches have no fences.
Children suffer from this in the first place. Especially many cases of their deaths in canals are registered annually in Almaty, Zhambyl, Kyzylorda and Turkestan regions. As a positive experience, I would like to give an example of Turkestan Oblast, where special devices are being installed that allow one to get out of the canal independently in case of falling. Akimats of the regions need to study this experience and work on the issue of safety on canals and ditches," Alikhan Smailov said.
At the same time, the Prime Minister added that the majority of those who drowned were in a state of alcoholic intoxication. That's about 70% of cases. In this regard, departments of internal affairs bodies together with government agencies need to organize the appropriate work. In particular, by warnings and administrative measures to suppress the consumption of alcoholic beverages near water bodies.
For this purpose it is necessary to intensify patrolling of recreation areas by the water, especially at weekends and on public holidays," Head of the Government stressed.
He also commented on the case of electrocution of a child in a fountain in Pavlodar region.
Of course, bathing in fountains is generally prohibited. Sanitary doctors constantly remind about the danger of this. However, children still go swimming in the fountains. All the akimats need to check the safe operation of fountains, as well as tighten control and not allow swimming in them. The Ministry of Internal Affairs should get involved in this work," Alikhan Smailov stressed.
In conclusion, he ordered to take measures to control the operation of small vessels.
There have been a lot of cases of people boating on malfunctioning vessels, which ended tragically. We need strict control in this matter," Alikhan Smailov said.
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12 flights delayed in Astana due to bad weather
Astana International Airport announced the delay of several flights due to monster wind pounding the Kazakh capital, Kazinform News Agency reports.
Earlier this morning, 6 out of 80 departing flights and 6 out of 82 arriving flights have been delayed.
The following outbound flights have been delayed:
- FZ1304 Astana - Dubai
- TK357 Astana - Istanbul
- IQ353 Astana - Atyrau
- IQ437 Astana - Petropavlovsk
- KC7365 Astana - Oral
- DV479 Astana - Sanya
Four flights have been delayed due to unfavorable weather conditions in Astana.
The following inbound flights have been delayed:
- KC621 Almaty - Astana
- KC7316 Kyzylorda - Astana
- DV742 Aktau - Astana
- IQ354 Almaty - Astana
- KC7366 Oral - Astana
- IQ353 Almaty - Astana
One can find details about the status of flights and possible changes in the schedule on the official website of the Astana International Airport www.nn-airport.kz or contact a 24-hour call-center 8 (7172) 702-999.
Flight operations at the Astana International Airport have been disrupted due to adverse weather conditions, including strong winds and snowstorms since November 6.
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Over 40 kulans transported to Ile-Balkhash Reserve to restore species' population
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The Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Kazakhstan, in cooperation with the UN Development Programme (UNDP), has successfully completed the next stage of the kulan reintroduction as part of the Turan tiger habitat restoration initiative. This month, more than 40 kulans were transported from Altyn Emel National Park to the Ile-Balkhash Reserve. In 2022, as part of this initiative, the first 60 kulans were relocated and successfully adapted to their new environment, Kazinform News Agency cites the UNDP Kazakhstan press service.
The kulan disappeared from Kazakhstan in the 1930s. To restore the population of this species, a long-term reintroduction project was implemented in several stages. Between 1953 and 1961, 14 kulans were transported to Barsa-Kelmes Island from the Badkhyz Nature Reserve in Turkmenistan. When their population on the island reached 200, the next stage-moving them to the mainland-began. This is how the kulans ended up in Altyn Emel National Park, where the restored population has become one of the most successful cases in the world regarding the reintroduction of wild odd-toed ungulates and currently represents the largest free-ranging population of kulans.
Today, in South Balkhash, the initiative to reintroduce the Turan tiger is being implemented within the territory of the Ile-Balkhash State Nature Reserve. In this context, extensive efforts are being made to create its food base, including the kulan reintroduction. The project is being implemented by UNDP and the Committee for Forestry and Wildlife of the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources. As part of the project, in 2022, 60 kulans were transported.
The reintroduction of kulans from Altyn Emel State National Park to the Ile-Balkhash and Altyn Dala reserves is another step in the efforts of the Committee for the Conservation and Restoration of Biodiversity. The clear implementation of all scheduled action plans for the reintroduction of rare animal species, along with the support of our partners-UNDP and the Kazakhstan Association for the Conservation of Biodiversity-creates a robust basis for future environmental initiatives and the country’s achievements in restoring the ecosystem and returning lost biodiversity," noted Daniyar Turgambayev, Chairman of the Committee for Forestry and Wildlife of the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
Reintroduction is not only a process of transportation but also involves diligent post-relocation care and monitoring of the animals. The Ile-Balkhash State Nature Reserve aims to provide care and feeding for the transported kulans for the next six months before they are released into the wild. In addition, as part of this initiative, three kulans were tagged with telemetry to further study their behavior in the wild.
We are proud that Kazakhstan is becoming an example of successful reintroduction of species on the brink of extinction. It requires joint efforts and accountability from all participants in the process, and we are pleased to cooperate with the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Kazakhstan to achieve our common goal-restoration and conservation of the country's unique biological diversity," said Katarzyna Wawiernia, UNDP Resident Representative in Kazakhstan.
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By Government decision, Khoja Ahmed Yassawi's mausoleum been placed under state protection
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Museum-reserve "Aziret Sultan" from now on will be under state protection. The corresponding decree was signed by the Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan Olzhas Bektenov, primeminister.kz reports.
The famous historical monument mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yassaui is the first Kazakhstani site included in the UNESCO World Heritage List and belongs to the unique monuments of medieval architecture.
Taking into account its significance and historical and cultural value, as well as in order to ensure its safety, the Government adopted a resolution to include the museum-reserve ‘Әziret Sultan’ in the list of objects subject to state protection.
According to the document, the security of the object will be ensured by the relevant departments of the internal affairs bodies.
As is known, the mausoleum was erected on the burial place of the Turkic poet and founder of the Sufi order of Yassawiya Khodja Ahmed Yassawi in the city of Turkestan.
The mausoleum consists of eight rooms, which are arranged around the central, largest in the complex hall Kazandyk.
In the period from 1385 to 1405, a complex of structures was built around the mausoleum and now the museum-reserve includes a mosque, palace halls big and small aksarai, a library (kitabkhana) and an economic complex, which includes a well house (kudukkhana), kitchen (askhana), living quarters (hujra) and others.
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Acute respiratory viral infections on the rise in Kazakh capital
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7,100 ARVI cases were recorded in the Kazakh capital over the past week that is 19.5% or 1.2 times more compared the same period of the previous year, deputy head of the Astana sanitary and epidemiological control department Zhanna Praliyeva told a briefing, Kazinform News Agency reports.
She said the results of the 37th week of laboratory research claimed that no flu or COVID-19 cases were detected in patients. It revealed non-influenza respiratory viruses, such as parainfluenza virus type 4 and mixed infection. 173 pregnant women, 3,709 children under 14 years old, and 255 babies under 12 months old were diagnosed with acute respiratory viral infection.
Flu vaccination of high-risk groups, including health workers, children, and elderly people began on September 18. The vaccination campaign is rolled out at 44 healthcare facilities. It takes 14 days after vaccination before an immune response develops and remains for around a year.
Zhanna Praliyeva urged all to wash their hands, cover their cough, minimize close contact with people who may have influenza, wear masks in public places, and avoid crowded places.
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Astana hosts closing ceremony of 5th World Nomad Games
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The closing ceremony of the 5th World Nomad Games featuring a musical performance and words of congratulations from World Ethnosport Confederation President Bilal Erdoğan and Kazakh Sport and Tourism Minister Yerbol Myrzabossynov took place in the Kazakh capital of Astana, Kazinform News Agency correspondent reports.
World Ethnosport Confederation President Bilal Erdoğan shared that during the five days of the Games he had seen the performances of around 2,500 athletes from 89 countries. The World Nomad Games presented the history and worldview of nomads, a mixture of fascinating sport and entertaining show.
This historic organization demonstrates the world that Kazakhstan has big ambitions to institutionalize traditional sports around the world. Attracting attention on all levels, these historic games show our rich cultural heritage, as was witnessed by the opening ceremony, choice of places, sports facilities and cultural events in great detail. The World Nomad Games, held under FIPS rules, once again proved that our traditional sports are not simply competitions, he said.
Bilal Erdoğan highlighted that the Games are the means for establishing friendship, solidarity and brotherhood. Athletes brought together by the Games remind of the importance of collaboration and sharing a common culture.
For myself, the irreplaceable support of Kassym-Jomart Tokayev in holding the Games became one of the key factors of such success. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank the President and the entire team, that devoted itself to the holding of the Nomad Games. Each contributed to this sports festival as well as to the history, said Bilal Erdoğan.
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Kazakhstan tops medal standings at end of 5th World Nomad Games
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Team Kazakhstan added 25 more medals at the 5th World Nomad Games to bring their total medal count to 114, including 44 gold, 33 silver and 37 bronze ones, before the tournament wraps up, Kazinform News Agency correspondent reports.
Team Kazakhstan was represented by a total of 216 athletes in 21 sports at the 5th World Nomad Games.
On Day Six of the Games, Team Kazakhstan won 25 medals, including 11 gold, nine silver and nine bronze medals.
Today, Bakyt Tolay brought Team Kazakhstan a gold medal in the Zheti kut stage in the Tenge ilu event.
Kazakhstan’s eagle hunter Serikbek Kuntugan claimed gold in the Kusbegilik final.
Team Kazakhstan won two gold and two bronze medals in the Mangala (Turkish traditional intellectual game) event, with Kundyz Yessipkep claiming the women’s gold and Aigerim Kuanyshbekova - bronze. Bigali Zkiryayev claimed a gold medal in the men’s Mangala event and Azamat Kaidarov - a bronze medal.
Kazakhstan ended up with a silver medal in the Ordo event (Kyrgyz national game). Coming in first was Team Kyrgyzstan. Tajikistan was placed third.
Kazakhstan swept the podium in the Kunan baige at the Games, with Amir Serik winning gold, Ansar Arysstanbek hauling silver and Dilnur Nurmukash settling for bronze.
Ansar Arysstanbek brought Team Kazakhstan a gold medal in the Alaman baige event. Coming in second was Khamza Amanfeldy of Kazakhstan. Kyrgyzstan’s Nurel Elessov was placed third.
Kazakhstan’s Serzhan Baktybay won gold in the Top Baige event. Arnat Muratkhan and Zhanbolat Marden of Kazahstan claimed second and third places, respectively.
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