Almaty experienced 8-point traffic jams due to power supply interruptions and widespread traffic light outages, according to city services and Kazakhstan's Ministry of Energy.
The Ministry reported that on August 14, a power surge occurred in the energy system, caused by a sharp change in electricity flow from the Central Asian energy system. This triggered emergency automation, leading to outages for several consumers in multiple regions.
In Almaty, traffic lights stopped working at many intersections, significantly complicating traffic. Serious congestion formed on Abai, Al-Farabi, Raiymbek, and Nazarbayev avenues, as well as on Satpayev, Zhandosov, and Tole bi streets.
Additional road strain was caused by traffic restrictions near the Central Stadium due to a Kanye West concert.
System operator KEGOC is conducting restoration work. Power has already been restored in some regions. The situation is under the control of Kazakhstan's Ministry of Energy.