Power outage hits several Almaty districts ahead of Kanye West concert Updated

Several districts of Almaty, including Bostandyk, Nauryzbay, Auezov and Alatau, have been affected by a power outage, according to preliminary reports.

The blackout has prompted speculation among residents that it could be connected to preparations for a concert by U.S. rapper Kanye West, scheduled to take place later on August 14 at Almaty’s Central Stadium, Caliber.Az reports per Kazakh media. 

Some residents have expressed concern that the power disruption could affect the event or prevent them from attending.

Preliminary reports indicate that the blackout was caused by an emergency shutdown involving three KEGOC power lines. Repair crews are working to restore electricity, with the cause and full extent of the disruption still being assessed.

Power outages have also been reported on August 14 in Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan and Tajikistan.

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Residents of Almaty, Kazakhstan, and Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, have reported power outages.

Preliminary reports suggest that the outages may have been caused by problems affecting power lines, Caliber.Az reports per Kazakh media. 

Authorities are investigating the cause of the disruptions and assessing the extent of the outages. Further details are expected as the investigation continues.

By Sabina Mammadli