Emergency officials are urging Almaty residents and visitors to avoid hiking in the mountains. Frequent rainfall has increased the risk of mudflows. Kursiv LifeStyle found out which popular hiking trail was shown with a roaring, swollen river.
«The risk of mudflow formation in the Kishi Almaty River basin will remain on July 2. We urge city residents and visitors to refrain from hiking in the Ile Alatau Mountains until weather conditions stabilize,» the akimat’s press service said in a statement.
The Kishi Almaty River (the Small Almaty River) flows past the Tuyuk-Su Alpine Camp, the Mynzhylky Dam and several trails intended for experienced hikers and mountaineers. Visitors with this level of experience often travel to Almaty specifically for mountain hikes and climbing.
In addition, rivers are swelling at other popular tourist destinations. For example, this is how the Prokhodnaya River looks near the developed trail in the Alma-Arasan Gorge. Witnesses advise against continuing beyond the hot springs to the Terra Glade.
«The trail is very slippery, and the water level in the Prokhodnaya River has risen significantly. Be careful and don’t put yourself at risk,» a tourist warned.
Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Emergency Situations advises anyone in a mudflow-prone area to move to higher ground and not attempt to cross a mudflow.
