A new Air 112 helipad has been built in Almaty, allowing rescuers and equipment to be delivered to high-mountain moraine lakes in just 10–15 minutes. The site was funded through non-budgetary sources and is intended for rescue operations and preventive work in hard-to-reach areas, infohub.kz reports.
Minister of Emergency Situations Murat Mukhanov inspected the facility's capabilities during a working trip. He was briefed that specialists will be able to fly from here to the moraine lakes, including to safely drain them.
"The flight time to the moraine lakes is only 10–15 minutes," the ministry said in a statement.
The minister also visited the Ayusai dam, where the mudflow situation is monitored around the clock. A dispatch center staffed by four Kazselezashchita specialists operates on the dam's crest. An observation deck has also been built at the facility.
Philanthropists are helping develop the infrastructure through the Fund of Kazakh Rescuers. Non-budgetary funds are also being used for this work.
According to the Ministry of Emergency Situations, an additional heliport is planned in the mountains at an altitude of about 3,200 meters above sea level. It is expected to expand rescue units' access to hard-to-reach areas.
Earlier, Kursiv reported on how rescuers used a helicopter and seven drones to search for a foreigner near Almaty.