Tengrinews.kz — The Ekibastuz Akimat has declared a state of emergency following a massive hailstorm that struck the Pavlodar region the day before. The corresponding draft resolution was published on the portal, "Open NPA" (Open Legal Acts).
The document states that a local natural disaster emergency has been declared in Ekibastuz due to a "hydrometeorological phenomenon that occurred on July 19, 2026."
The emergency declaration is necessary to mitigate the aftermath of the severe hail that blanketed the Pavlodar region over the past weekend.
The resolution takes effect from the date of its first official publication.
What happened
On July 19, the Pavlodar region was hit by high winds, heavy rain, and large hail. Six people were injured due to the severe weather, including three teenagers; all required medical assistance.
In Pavlodar, the storm caught crowds by surprise on the central embankment, where people had gathered to watch a World Cup match. According to eyewitnesses, light rain began first, but winds intensified abruptly, followed by a thunderstorm and large hail, forcing people to scramble for cover.
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Regional residents posted photos and videos of the aftermath on social media. Squalling winds downed trees, and power outages were reported in some areas. Summer cottage owners also reported crop damage, particularly in the village of Kalkaman.
According to the Pavlodar regional Akimat, information regarding the consequences of the storm is still being gathered, while cleanup efforts and damage assessments are underway. Authorities have promised to provide full data at a later date.
Weather Forecast
According to meteorologists, in the coming days — July 21-23 — long-awaited cooler weather will arrive in Kazakhstan..
With the passage of atmospheric fronts, many regions will experience rain and thunderstorms, with increasing winds. Heavy rain is forecast for certain areas, and hail and squalls remain possible.
Specifically in the Pavlodar region, Kazhydromet predicts cloudy weather, rain, thunderstorms, and hail in the coming days. Nighttime temperatures will range from 15-20 degrees Celsius, while daytime highs will reach 24-30 degrees. Wind gusts could reach 20 meters per second.