Almaty entrepreneurs collected 1 million tenge (US$5,334) during a one-hour fundraising drive to assist victims of the landslide that struck the outskirts of Almaty on July 23, reported Tengrinews.kz, citing the Regional Chamber of Entrepreneurs.
Photo credit: Dauren Isayev
A centre to assist victims has also been established at 160 Dostyk Avenue, which will collect food and clothing.
“In order to raise funds and help victims, we have opened a bank account in RBK Bank, to which every businessman of the country could transfer money for those who appeared to be homeless. We urgently need equipment for pumping water, tractors and volunteers,” said entrepreneur Kairat Kudaibergen.
Kazakh artists have also participated in the aid effort, collecting 364,000 tenge (US$1,941) during a charity concert.
The concert included music groups, such as Al Davai, Dervishes, Domino, Indigo and solo singers Abdulkarim Karimov, Gadilbek Zhanai, Ali Okapov, Abai Abishev, Aizhan Nurmagambetova, Ainura Eshmanova, Madina Sadvakasova and Dilnaz Akhmadiyeva. The ticket price was 2,000 tenge (US$10).
“We are all equal against natural disasters. It is important to maintain the spirit of friendship and mutual human support during this time. It is also crucial that no one feels abandoned or left without any help,” explained the organisers of the concert.
The artists have also visited the assistance centre, which employs volunteers. According to the front man of Al Davai, Shokan Maratuly, they want to see what people need right now and and how to best allocate the money raised.
The mudslide hit near Almaty at 3 a.m. local time on July 23. As a result, three districts of the city, Auezov, Alatau and Nauryzbai suffered damage and more than 1,000 people evacuated.
Earlier, the city administration issued photo and video materials, which were taken during the helicopter overflight of the disaster area by Akim (Mayor) of Almaty Akhmetzhan Yessimov. After a visual inspection, it became clear that the area’s primary dam was intact allowing water to go along the river through two gateways. No more threats are expected for the city. No injuries were reported.
