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Tengrinews.kz – Reports have emerged online that three young men went into the mountains in Almaty and did not return. The situation was commented on by the city’s Emergency Situations Department.
According to officials, a relative called the emergency number 112 on the night of December 26, reporting that her brother and two of his friends had gone into the mountains on the morning of December 24 and had not returned. She said their mobile phones had been switched off for more than 12 hours.
“After the report was received, forces and resources of the Emergency Situations Ministry (MES) were mobilized in the presumed search area: an MES aircraft, RSO units, the Disaster Medicine Center, rescuers of the MES Rescue Service, as well as police officers and volunteers. An operational headquarters was set up on site. A Kazaviaspas MES helicopter was deployed for search-and-rescue operations. During the aerial survey, rescuers examined the areas of the Tuyuksu Glacier, the Mynzhylky tract and Lokomotiv Peak,” the department said.
As a result of search operations using an unmanned aerial vehicle, a body was discovered in the area of Lokomotiv Peak.
“An MES aircraft carried out a descent from an altitude of 3,700 meters above sea level, after which the body was handed over to police officers. A forensic medical examination has been ordered. Final identification will be carried out upon completion of all necessary examinations. Relatives are being provided with psychological assistance by DES specialists, RSO and MES medical personnel,” officials added.
Search efforts to determine the whereabouts of the remaining two people are ongoing.
More than 50 people, including rescuers and volunteers, are involved in the operation. Seven units of equipment, four drones and three canine teams have been deployed. Units from the Almaty DChS, RSO, the Rescue Service and the Disaster Medicine Center are taking part.
Earlier, Acting Head of the DES Damir Yermagambetov noted a growing trend — a “fashion for hiking in the mountains.” He warned that it is often perceived as a light adventure, while in reality the mountains require serious preparation, knowledge and respect for nature.
The Almaty DES also reiterated safety recommendations:
- if you decide on a difficult multi-day hike, a professional instructor is essential;
- do not try to visit several locations in one day;
- choose routes within visual accessibility and do not deviate from your planned destination;
- fully charge your phone and power bank;
- prepare sufficient supplies of water and food.
If you get lost, officials advise staying calm and not panicking. If possible, call rescuers at 112 and send your location. If you manage to do so, do not leave that spot — even if the connection is lost or the phone battery runs out, rescuers will head to the last known coordinates, which will serve as the starting point for the search.
