Tourists from foreign countries find themselves trapped in the mountainous region of eastern Kazakhstan
In a move to ensure the safety of tourists and facilitate rescue operations, the Ministry of Emergency Situations in Kazakhstan has issued a new order. This rule, which applies to both Kazakhstani and international tourists, was introduced following a series of tragedies in the mountains of Kazakhstan.
The order, approved by the Emergency Committee of Kazakhstan, emphasizes the role of local emergency services in ensuring the safety of tourists. Tourists are now required to notify local emergency services before venturing into mountains, caves, or dangerous areas. This includes leaving their coordinates with the 112 service before embarking on a trip to the mountains.
The rule was issued as a result of a recent rescue operation in East Kazakhstan. On September 18, the Emergency Committee of Kazakhstan initiated a rescue operation when three Czech tourists near Lake Kolykol, at an altitude of around 2000 meters above sea level, were reported to the rescue teams by local hunters. The tourists, who had climbed to the base of Mount Belukha, were unable to descend on their own.
The joint team of emergency services and Katon-Karagay National Park personnel faced a challenging route in high-altitude conditions to find the tourists. Despite the difficulties, contact was maintained with the tourists throughout the operation, and they were eventually escorted by the rescue team to the camp at Lake Yazevoe.
This rescue operation underscores the importance of the new rule. The order is aimed at ensuring the safety of tourists and facilitating rescue operations if necessary. It also aims to prevent similar incidents in the future by highlighting the importance of safety precautions when engaging in mountain activities.
The rule serves as a reminder to all tourists to be mindful of their capabilities and the challenges posed by the terrain when embarking on mountain expeditions. It is a step towards a safer and more enjoyable experience for tourists in Kazakhstan's beautiful landscapes.
