MORE THAN 1,000 VOLUNTEERS responded to the call for help.

No wonder they say that Kostanay is famous for its people. After the call of Kostanay Mayor Marat Zhundubayev, caring Kostanay residents did not take long to wait. Literally an hour later, hundreds of citizens came to the Big Bridge to help rescuers, police officers, civil servants, and utility workers. Armed with shovels, they joined in the common cause of strengthening the bridge.

Employees of the police department, the emergency Department, regional and city government agencies and departments, public utilities, representatives of the APK, and volunteers are also involved on the Chagall Embankment.

All efforts are being made to minimize losses from a possible overflow over the Big Bridge. At the moment, volunteer assistants are installing drainage pipes here, laying sand, and helping with other flood control measures.