In Almaty on 14 August, there was a large-scale disruption to the external electricity supply, which temporarily halted the metro, switched off some traffic lights and caused interruptions to the water supply in some areas. City services are operating on an enhanced footing, and medical organisations are using backup power sources.
WHAT HAPPENED TO THE ELECTRICITY SUPPLY
According to the Ministry of Energy, the power system experienced a load surge caused by a sudden change in the flow of electricity from the Central Asian power system. As a result, emergency protection automation was triggered, leading to the disconnection of a number of electricity consumers in some regions of Kazakhstan.
The system operator, JSC "KEGOC", is carrying out restoration works. According to the ministry, electricity supply has already been restored in a number of regions.
HOW THE METRO AND ROAD INFRASTRUCTURE ARE OPERATING
In Almaty, the metro was temporarily suspended. Stations were closed for entry and exit until the electricity supply and voltage on the contact rail were restored. It has been reported that passengers were left in carriages between stations and were able to walk through the tunnel to the nearest station.
Due to the power outage, some traffic light installations stopped working. Road police officers are taking measures to organise and regulate traffic on sections where traffic lights are temporarily out of operation.
HOW MEDICAL ORGANISATIONS ENSURED CONTINUITY OF OPERATIONS
Hospitals and other medical organisations are operating in accordance with business continuity plans. The facilities are equipped with diesel generators and uninterruptible power supplies.
Backup power is prioritised for intensive care units, operating theatres, emergency departments, life-support systems and other critically important equipment. Emergency medical care is being provided in accordance with established procedures.
In outpatient clinics, backup power is used for premises and equipment that require a constant electricity supply to provide medical care, including vaccination rooms and other necessary departments.
WHY WATER PRESSURE DROPPED IN SOME AREAS
The Almaty city administration (akimat) reported that the power outage could lead to a temporary reduction in water pressure and interruptions to the water supply, including on the upper floors of buildings. The reason is linked to the temporary stoppage of pumping stations, whose equipment runs on electricity.
Once the electricity supply is restored, the pumping stations will be restarted, after which the water supply should gradually return to normal.
WHICH CITY FACILITIES CONTINUE TO OPERATE
Almaty International Airport reports that it is operating as normal thanks to backup generators.
At the same time, the power outage caused interruptions to the operation of the KazAvtoZhol 1403 unified contact centre. For the duration of the problems with the main number, information on road conditions, closures and toll roads can be obtained via the backup number +7 705 927 14 03.
A separate incident occurred on the Shymbulak – Medeu cable car: passengers remained in the cabins for around an hour and a half. According to reports in the media, they have now all exited the cabins.
The Almaty akimat asks residents to remain calm and to obtain information about the restoration of the electricity supply only from official sources.
CONTEXT
Earlier, it became known that on 14 August there was a mass power outage in Almaty and the Almaty Region. In Almaty, consumers in four districts of the city were left without power, and in the region, in 10 districts. The volume of disconnected load amounted to 300 MW.
Reports of power disruptions also came in from Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan. In Bishkek, the first reports of power cuts appeared around 15:00.
In Tajikistan, outages occurred in various parts of the country, including Dushanbe. The first reports came in at approximately 15:00.