In the East Kazakhstan region, emergency teams evacuated 12 Russians who were trapped in a snow puddle on a major highway. The information came from the regional emergency service press office, which confirmed the incident and the subsequent rescue efforts.
According to the agency, the group was caught in severe weather on the Ust-Kamenogorsk-Shemonaikha-Russian Border route, a line noted for its republican significance. Among the 12 individuals were two children, who were exposed to the harsh conditions along the roadway.
All of the evacuees were brought to a hotel in Shemonaikha, where authorities arranged shelter, meals, and warmth to help them recover from the ordeal. The operation highlighted the vulnerable position travelers can face when winter weather abruptly worsens on long-distance routes.
In related regional updates, the ministry reported that 15 roads remained closed due to continuing bad weather in the area. Law enforcement and road services were actively working to reopen routes as conditions allowed, prioritizing safety and clear access for rescue teams and local residents alike.
Earlier reports noted a separate incident in Central Asia, where a Russian national died in an avalanche while skiing in Uzbekistan. Despite warnings about avalanche risk, a 61-year-old Russian man ventured onto the slopes of Chimgan in the Bostandyk region, succumbing to the snow. Chimgan is located roughly 80 kilometers from Tashkent and remains a popular destination for winter recreation, underscoring the importance of weather awareness and safety precautions in mountainous areas.