Due to heavy snowfall and blizzard conditions in the Zhambyl region, over a thousand vehicles were stranded on the roads, reports the national portal “Adyrna.”
On January 7, the region experienced a sudden deterioration in weather, with heavy snowfall, blizzards, and wind speeds reaching up to 20 meters per second.
Traffic was restricted for all types of vehicles on the Almaty – Tashkent – Termez highway between kilometers 238 and 159 (from Kainar village to Otar settlement). According to the regional police department, traffic is being redirected through an alternative route via the old Kordai Pass. Additionally, the road towards the Turkistan region (within the Zhambyl district) has been closed.
“Currently, 1,050 vehicles have gathered at the restricted areas, including 580 trucks,” the department’s statement said.
More than 100 police officers and 45 patrol units are providing various assistance to drivers. Approximately 20 specialized vehicles have been deployed to clear the roads.
“In the Shakhan Pass area of Zhambyl district, 14 residents were transported to Kultygan village by local inspectors and accommodated in relatives’ homes. Additionally, patrol police rescued more than 10 vehicles from the snow,” the police department’s press service reported.
Patrol officers are placing drivers and passengers in warming centers where they can rest and wait for conditions to improve.
The Zhambyl regional police department urged drivers to avoid traveling during adverse weather conditions and to check the technical readiness of their vehicles.
