Rockfall paralyzes Bishkek-Issyk-Kul highway

A significant rockfall in the Boom Gorge overnight has completely blocked the vital Bishkek-Issyk-Kul highway, causing extensive traffic jams and disrupting travel plans for many.

Eyewitnesses reported the rockslide occurred during the night of August 1, leading to a complete halt in traffic movement along the route. By morning, long queues of vehicles had formed in both directions, with drivers waiting for specialized equipment to clear the massive amount of debris.

The timing of the incident exacerbated the disruption, as it occurred on a Friday night when many residents of the capital city, Bishkek, typically travel to the popular Issyk-Kul resort area for the weekend. Reports suggest the road was impassable from approximately 1:00 AM to 5:00 AM, with authorities indicating that passage might not be fully restored until later in the day.

Information from the Ministry of Emergency Situations, the Ministry of Transport, and the Main Department for Road Traffic Safety is being sought to provide official updates on the situation and the timeline for clearing the roadway. In the meantime, some drivers have reportedly begun attempting to clear smaller rocks themselves while awaiting the arrival of heavy machinery.