Vehicle from UAS plunges into ice in Kyzylorda region
In the heart of Almaty, the largest city in Kazakhstan, it's essential to take extra precautions when venturing onto frozen bodies of water, especially during the winter season. This advice comes from Dennis Zemtsov and Murat Tailyaganov from Almaty TV, and it echoes expert guidance for ice safety worldwide.
To ensure safety for both adults and children, it's crucial to avoid walking or playing on ice unless it has been officially declared safe and is at least 10 cm thick. Supervising children closely near any frozen lakes or ponds is equally important, along with educating them about the dangers of thin or unstable ice. It's also vital to stay near the shore, avoiding isolated or unclear areas of ice. Wearing warm, waterproof clothing and footwear with good traction can help prevent slips and hypothermia.
If a tragic incident occurs and someone falls through the ice, the recommended steps are clear: do not rush onto the ice yourself, as you risk falling through as well. Instead, call for emergency assistance immediately. If possible, reach out to the person with a long object like a branch, pole, or rope without stepping on the ice. Encourage the person to try to pull themselves out by kicking their legs and grabbing onto the edge of the ice. Once out, immediately provide dry clothing and warmth to prevent hypothermia, and seek medical attention promptly, even if the person seems unharmed.
Recently, a chilling incident occurred on a 25 cm thick ice layer. A UAZ car carrying seven people fell through the ice on Lake Kamystybass. Tragically, four people died at the scene, and three managed to escape. This incident underscores the importance of adhering to safety measures and being well-informed about potential dangers.
To help raise awareness, rescue workers have been distributing leaflets and marking dangerous zones with special signs and ribbons. An announcement was made to residents of coastal areas in Almaty about the danger of being on frozen bodies of water. One of the marked dangerous areas was the airport lake.
Rinat Fayzullin, a rescuer, provided advice on what to do if someone falls through the ice. He emphasised the importance of spreading arms wider and swimming with the back and legs to increase the chances of survival. A rescue station is on the shore of the lake, where divers are on duty day and night.
Svetlana Smirnova, an Almaty resident, observed that children often behave differently outside their homes. She urged parents to keep a close eye on their children near frozen bodies of water.
The Almaty City Emergency Department is urging Almaty residents to prioritise safety measures. With the city's proximity to mountain lakes like Big Almaty Lake, often inaccessible due to weather or road closures, outdoor excursions should be well-planned and taken seriously for safety.
In summary, supervising children strictly near ice, venturing only on ice confirmed safe by local authorities, carrying rescue tools and knowing rescue techniques if someone falls in, contacting emergency services immediately in a rescue situation, dressing warmly and preparing for sudden weather changes when outdoors near frozen water, and following these precautions can significantly reduce risks typical in Almaty’s cold environment.
- In the context of health and wellness, it's crucial for parents to closely supervise children near frozen lakes or ponds, educating them about the dangers of thin or unstable ice.
- General news reports have highlighted the importance of adhering to safety measures, such as avoiding walking on ice that hasn't been officially declared safe by local authorities.
- Crime and justice cases related to car-accidents, like the tragic incident on Lake Kamystybass, underscore the need for careful driving near frozen bodies of water.
- For those living in Almaty, the largest city in Kazakhstan, the Weather service advises being prepared for sudden changes in weather conditions, especially during the winter season, to ensure safety.
