Earlier this week, Almaty was hit by severe weather. Strong winds kicked up massive clouds of dust before a thunderstorm and heavy rain swept through the city. During the storm, a local resident captured dramatic footage of multiple lightning strikes hitting the Kok-Tobe Television Tower, which is equipped with a lightning rod at its peak. The video was so striking that some Kazakhstanis questioned whether it was real.
The short clip shows several lightning bolts striking the tower in rapid succession. Some commenters speculated that the footage had been generated by artificial intelligence. However, several Almaty residents said they witnessed the event firsthand, confirming its authenticity.
Посмотреть в Threads
«Zeus sends his regards.»
«Thor struck it with his hammer!»
«We should film ‘Back to the Future 4’ here.»
These were just some of the reactions from city commentors impressed by the spectacular, cinematic scene.
Lightning has struck the Kok-Tobe Television Tower on several previous occasions, including in 2023 and 2024. Despite the dramatic visuals, the storms caused no damage to the structure.
In 2025, the tower underwent seismic-resistance testing after some experts raised concerns about its vulnerability to earthquakes. However, Kazakhstan’s prime minister later reassured the public that one of Almaty’s most recognizable landmarks is not at risk.
