Kazakhstan: Flooding causes power outages in Almaty August 14

Event

Recent heavy rains caused flooding and mudslides in multiple districts of Almaty on Wednesday, August 14. Officials cut power and gas supplies to areas around the Kargaly dam as a precaution on Wednesday morning (local time). Some residents were briefly evacuated but then allowed to return home by 11:00. Electricity has reportedly been restored and emergency personnel have been deployed to provide assistance in the affected areas. Additional rain is forecast in Almaty from Thursday, August 15, through Saturday, August 17. Further flooding, power disruptions, and evacuations are possible.

Advice

Individuals in Almaty are advised to monitor developments to the situation and local weather forecasts, anticipate flooding and mudslides along with transportation, business, electricity, and telecommunications disruptions, and adhere to any instructions issued by local authorities. Be advised that driving or walking through running water can be dangerous - 15 cm (6 in) of running water is enough to knock over an adult - and that floodwater may contain wastewater or chemical products; all items having come into contact with the water should be disinfected and all food discarded.