Astana Hit by 'Weather Apocalypse': Floods and Power Outages Grip Capital

Astana was hit by a "weather apocalypse" this afternoon as a powerful rainstorm, accompanied by hurricane-force winds and localized hail, swept through the capital. Pedestrians caught in the open scrambled for shelter as the sudden storm blindsided them, with those unable to find cover forced to run.

Shortly after the storm began, readers reported power outages across the city. The Astana-REC press service confirmed that the severe weather caused emergency shutdowns in several areas, leaving parts of the Yugo-Vostok district and the Promyshlenny settlement without power. The company stated that backup power systems were activated for most consumers, and some have already been reconnected. Emergency crews are working on-site to inspect power lines, repair damage, and restore electricity.

High winds toppled fences and trees, with one fence at the Silk Way City shopping mall falling onto parked cars. The city's storm drains, a long-standing issue, were overwhelmed, leading to severe flooding on major avenues and streets. Social media is filled with images of drivers and pedestrians navigating submerged streets, with some vehicles almost completely underwater and occupants climbing onto their roofs to escape. Despite the chaos, residents displayed resilience, with some seen wading through the "big water" and collectively figuring out how to escape the deluge. The city's health department reported no injuries, though the footage suggests otherwise.

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Backup power schemes are provided for most consumers, and some subscribers have already been reconnected. Astana-REC emergency crews are working on-site. Specialists are inspecting power lines and equipment, repairing damage, and restoring the electricity supply.