In Astana, after a two-day downpour that brought 39 millimeters of precipitation (nearly 70% of the monthly norm), streets, basements, and entrances of residential complexes were flooded. Strong winds downed trees and fences, and dozens of cars were submerged. Victims are demanding compensation from the city authorities, reports infohub.kz.
The city's akimat noted that 11.5 millimeters of rain fell in just 22 minutes. In some residential complexes, basements, ground floors, and entrances were flooded. Nursultan Aymdosov, chairman of the condominium association (OSI), said water from the roof rushed through the drainage system like a torrent, creating a pool effect, and the single storm drain could not handle it. "The water rises to knee level. This threshold is easily crossed, and everything flows into the OSI, through which it all goes to our basement floor," he explained.
Other residential complexes in the capital were also flooded. Despite pumping out water, the aftermath persists: some buildings have non-functioning elevators and damp basements.
Motorists were hit hardest. On flooded streets, dozens of cars were almost completely submerged, forcing owners to take refuge on rooftops. Lawyers explain that if an inspection confirms a malfunction or inadequate maintenance of the storm sewer system, compensation can be sought. Many victims are already recording video appeals to the akimat.
Robert Dosayev, one of the victims, stated: "I demand that the district akim and the district akimat compensate for the damage and restore my car. The engine doesn't work, the electronics are damaged—the car is completely inoperable. So our demand is to fully restore the vehicle and compensate for the damage caused. We insist on full compensation."
Rescuers and municipal services promptly arrived. They pumped out water, evacuated people, and towed cars. Baurzhan Akhmetalin, head of the emergency response department of the Astana Emergency Situations Department, reported: "As a result of heavy rainfall in Astana, flooding of streets, falling trees, and power outages were recorded. The Emergency Situations Department provided assistance to municipal services, with 36 personnel, 12 pieces of equipment, and 8 motor pumps deployed. Work included pumping rainwater, evacuating the population, freeing cars, and sawing trees."
According to weather forecasters, rain will continue in Astana on July 25, 28, and 29, with intensity up to 14 millimeters. Next week, temperatures will rise to +32...+34°C. The Emergency Department advises staying indoors and avoiding personal vehicle travel during heavy precipitation.