Evacuated Tourists Describe Rescue Operation in Kyrgyzstan's Chatkal Gorge

A group of tourists stranded in Kyrgyzstan's Chatkal gorge due to a sudden rise in the Kara-Tokoy River's water level has been safely evacuated. Almaz Karabalaev, one of the tourists, described the rescue operation to 24.kg. The group was transported as close as possible to the crossing point by bus, then walked about 1.5 kilometers to an old bridge, accompanied by Ministry of Emergency Situations (MES) personnel. From there, they were ferried across one by one via a dilapidated suspension bridge. Special buses then transported the group out of the affected area. Karabalaev stated that the entire group is now in Talas, with some already heading to Bishkek. Personal belongings and two minibuses were left behind on the opposite bank, with MES officials promising their retrieval once conditions permit. Earlier, the MES reported that the left support of a bridge leading to a pasture was washed away by the rising river on July 3, temporarily closing the road. Rescue efforts, including a front-end loader, were deployed. Due to darkness, repair work was postponed to July 4. During the operation, 36 people, including 28 Kyrgyz citizens, 7 Russians, and 1 Kazakhstani, were safely transported across the suspension bridge. Two Kyrgyz citizens chose to wait by their vehicles for the water level to recede. The MES assured that the situation is under control and urged citizens and tourists to exercise caution in mountainous areas and near rivers.

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We were transported as close as possible to the bridge. From the buses, we walked about 1.5 kilometers, accompanied by rescuers. Then, one by one, we were ferried across the old suspension bridge, which was almost destroyed.