Kostanay battles record snowfall as crews race to clear paralyzed city
The Kazakh city of Kostanay was buried under a month’s worth of snow in just 24 hours. Authorities mobilised overnight, deploying 116 pieces of specialised equipment to clear the streets. Emergency teams continue working around the clock to restore normal conditions.
Kazakhstan’s state weather service, Kazhydromet, had warned of heavy rain and snow across much of the country on 30 December. Kostanay bore the brunt of the storm, with snowfall far exceeding typical levels for the season.
By dawn, 123 machines and 250 road workers were clearing key routes. The focus remains on major roads, public transport lines, and access to essential services like hospitals and schools. Municipal crews are operating non-stop to keep the city moving. The response involves multiple agencies. Alongside road maintenance teams, the Emergency Ministry (Kazaviaspas), local government (Akimat), and police are coordinating efforts. Their joint work aims to minimise disruption and ensure safety across the city.
The snowfall has put Kostanay’s infrastructure under pressure, but clearance operations are progressing. With over 100 machines and hundreds of workers on the ground, authorities are prioritising critical transport links. Residents are advised to stay updated on local advisories as recovery continues.
