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© Kazakhstan Ministry of Internal AffairsFloods and mudflow in Almaty region of Kazakhstan, 23 July 2015.
Around 1,000 people were evacuated from areas around the city of Almaty, Kazakhstan, after floods and mudflow swept through residential streets on 23 July 2015.

According to the committee of emergency situations of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Kazakhstan, high temperatures over the last few days have melted snow and caused a glacial lake to overflow, which in turn forced the Kargalinka River to overflow and sent mud and flood water racing downstream towards Almaty. Local media report that a dam on the Kargalinka River partially stopped the mudslide.

Districts on the outskirts of Almaty city, including Algabas and Alatau, have been worst affected. Authorities say that 1,036 people were evacuated from affected areas and accommodated in local schools. Six people were hospitalized and 78 were given medical assistance, according to the Сommittee for Emergency Situations of the Ministry of Internal Affairs.


A total of 127 houses suffered damage. Bridges, roads and power lines have also been damage. The latest reports from the emergency committee say that 3,000 people remain without electricity in the area, and work is ongoing to restore power supplies. A State of Emergency has since been declared in the city of Almaty.

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© Kazakhstan Ministry of Internal Affairs
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© Kazakhstan Ministry of Internal Affairs