Blizzard in Kostanay Region Traps Drivers, Over 20 Rescued

A severe blizzard sweeping across Kazakhstan's Kostanay Region has left multiple vehicles stranded in deep snowdrifts, prompting a large-scale rescue operation. Emergency services successfully evacuated more than twenty people from their immobilized cars, with all individuals reported to be safe and in good health.

The harsh weather conditions, characterized by heavy snowfall and strong winds, created treacherous driving situations on regional highways. In one incident on the KAZ19 Kostanay-Karabutak road near the village of Pereleksy in Denisovsky District, rescuers worked to free several trapped vehicles.

"Seven passenger cars carrying 13 people were pulled from snowdrifts onto cleared sections of the road by rescue teams and employees of a local company," stated an official report from the emergency services department. None of those rescued required medical attention following the ordeal.

The rescue efforts extended to other districts as well. In Zhitikarinsky District, approximately 10 kilometers from the village of Mukhtukol, a passenger car with two occupants was towed to safety. Meanwhile, in Karasusky District near the village of Suygensay, two more cars were found stuck in a "snow trap," leading to the evacuation of six people, including one child.

The evacuated individuals were temporarily sheltered at warming points established for such emergencies. Meteorologists had previously issued a storm warning for the Kostanay Region due to the blizzard and expected ice conditions. Several sections of highways in the area remain closed to traffic until further notice as cleanup operations continue.