Almaty’s rare slush flood captivates residents as defenses hold strong
A dramatic slush flood in Almaty’s Yesentai River has drawn widespread attention. Videos of the churning waters circulated online, leaving residents and social media users fascinated by the rare sight. Some even questioned whether the footage was real or AI-generated.
The flood began upstream of Jamaqayev Street on January 18, 2026. The Almaty City Department of Ecology and Environment confirmed the event, noting that slush floods are a seasonal winter occurrence in the region. The turbulent waters flowed between Jamaqayev Street and the settling basin south of Al-Farabi Avenue.
Emergency measures were already in place to manage the situation. Stabilisation barriers and groynes along the river contained the flood, preventing damage to nearby infrastructure. Hydraulic structures performed as intended, keeping the river’s hydrological conditions stable. Despite initial speculation, officials reassured the public that the phenomenon was natural. The event highlighted the effectiveness of existing flood defences in protecting urban areas.
The slush flood has since stabilised, with no reports of significant disruption. Authorities confirmed that the river’s defences held firm, safeguarding the city from potential harm. The incident served as a reminder of the region’s seasonal hydrological risks.
