Kazakhstan declares state of emergency due to snow storms

A state of emergency has been declared in Zhambyl region in southern Kazakhstan due to bad weather conditions.

Strong winds with gusts of up to 45 m/s, blowing snow and a drop in temperature are observed in the region. Roads of regional and republican significance are blocked, AKI Press reports.

117 units of special equipment and 103 employees of emergency services and military personnel were involved in the rescue operations.

2,413 people had been rescued, including 90 children, as of 6 am on December 15. About 600 people returned home, 1,813 were placed in special centers. Three citizens were taken to Korday district central hospital, their condition is stable.

More than 5,000 people were rescued in last two days.

There are still cars stuck in snow drifts on the roads. Information about their number is being clarified.

Around 100-150 cars with passengers were stuck between the villages of Alga and Korday and were unable to travel to neighboring Kyrgyzstan. The Ministry of Emergency Situations of Kyrgyzstan sent 39 rescuers, five units of equipment, a pickup truck and two snowmobiles to help Kazakh rescuers in the evacuation of people.

Power lines were broken and support poles were knocked down after strong winds and wet snow in Shu district. Over 8,000 subscribers in 32 settlements of the region were left without electricity. No accidents have been registered on the gas pipelines, they operate as normal.

Due to the emergency, 11 passenger trains stayed on the Shu-Otar section. According to the transport prosecutor's office of Shu district, passenger trains have begun to move, the situation is under control.

A storm warning was announced in Almaty, Shymkent and 12 regions of Kazakhstan five days ago. Traffic was restricted on dozens of national roads due to worsening weather conditions.