As a result of the floods, several oil companies in Aktobe and Atirau provinces suspended work at 634 wells, resulting in the loss of a total of 16,000 tons of crude oil, the ministry said Thursday on its official Telegram site.

To date, 141 wells have resumed operations while 493 others remain inoperative, mostly in Aktobe province (489, including 440 of Aktobemunaygaz company.

Drainage and waterproofing works are being carried out at the affected wells and water barriers are being installed.

Kazakhstan is suffering from the worst floods in 80 years, which have affected several provinces bordering Russia.

The central government declared a state of emergency in 10 regions due to the rising waters, which have caused the evacuation of 90,000 people.

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