Evacuation - The Times Of Central Asia

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Mountaineering

Mass Evacuation from Kyrgyzstan’s Seven-Thousanders, But One Climber Remains Trapped

A major rescue operation has concluded in Kyrgyzstan, where military pilots evacuated 62 climbers and tourists from the high-altitude peaks of Pobeda and Khan Tengri. The evacuation was prompted by life-threatening conditions, including strong winds and a heightened risk of avalanches that left hundreds stranded. An international group of climbers had earlier become trapped on Victory Peak, where an Italian citizen died during the descent. A helicopter dispatched by the Kyrgyz Ministry of Defense was forced to make an emergency landing on the slope. Fortunately, the crew and rescuers sustained only minor injuries. Given the extreme altitudes, only military helicopters are capable of operating in the area, prompting authorities to deploy additional forces. Once weather conditions temporarily improved, two military helicopters conducted six flights, evacuating climbers from various countries, including Germany, the United Kingdom, Russia, China, and Kazakhstan. Some were flown to the Yuzhny Enilchek and Polyana base camps at approximately 5,000 meters, while others were hospitalized in Karakol. Those seriously injured are expected to be transferred to Bishkek for further treatment. Meanwhile, a 47-year-old Russian climber remains stranded at around 7,000 meters after breaking her leg during the descent. German and Italian climbers provided emergency assistance, including a tent, sleeping bag, and food supplies. Two attempts to evacuate her without professional support failed. One of the rescuers, an Italian climber, succumbed to severe hypothermia and died. According to the Kyrgyz Ministry of Emergency Situations, the stranded climber has survived for seven days at this extreme altitude. “She is alive and has been in high-altitude conditions for seven days. Preparations are underway for a rescue operation to transport her,” the Ministry of Defense stated. The situation remains critical as weather conditions continue to shift rapidly, diminishing the chances of a successful rescue with every passing hour.

Middle East

Kazakhstan Acts Swiftly on Middle East Crisis: Citizens Evacuated, Flights Suspended

In the wake of escalating hostilities in the Middle East, Kazakhstan has undertaken swift measures to safeguard its citizens and adapt its aviation policies. On the night of June 13, Israel launched “Operation Lion’s Roar,” targeting military and strategic sites in Iran, citing concerns over Tehran’s nuclear capabilities. The offensive triggered international concern and widespread flight restrictions, which affected Kazakhstani citizens in the UAE, Iran, and Israel. Stranded Tourists and Initial Evacuations In its immediate response, Kazakhstan’s Aviation Administration imposed a full ban on flights through the airspace of Iran, Israel, Syria, Jordan, Iraq, and Lebanon. The directive applied to all Kazakh carriers, both commercial and charter, requiring them to halt operations across the affected regions. As a result, around 300 Kazakh nationals, primarily tourists, were unable to return home. Despite prior warnings, flights to the UAE continued to depart with full passenger loads, according to Foreign Ministry spokesman Aibek Smadiyarov. Evacuations began the following day. On June 14, six Kazakh citizens were evacuated from Iran via Azerbaijan. By June 15, another 68 individuals, including diplomats and their families, crossed into Turkmenistan. Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed its gratitude to Iran, Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, and other partner countries for facilitating the evacuations. Further operations saw 332 Kazakh tourists repatriated from the UAE to Almaty on two FlyDubai flights on June 15, with support from the Turistik Kamkor Foundation and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. As of June 20, an additional 66 citizens had been evacuated from Israel via Egypt, while 78 others left Iran through Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Turkmenistan. “Thanks to joint efforts, more and more citizens are able to return home safely,” the Foreign Ministry noted. Ministry Advisories and Air Travel Disruptions On June 23, the Foreign Ministry issued an official advisory urging Kazakh citizens to refrain from traveling to the Middle East. Those already in the region were instructed to stay alert, avoid large gatherings, monitor official updates, and maintain contact with Kazakh embassies. Airlines also took precautionary measures. Air Astana extended its suspension of flights to Dubai and Doha through June 24, offering passengers the option of free rebooking or a full refund. SCAT Airlines announced delays to flights bound for Sharm el-Sheikh and Antalya, citing bird strikes and the volatile security environment. The airline also cancelled a flight from Astana to Doha. By June 24, Dubai’s Al Maktoum and Dubai International airports had resumed full operations. The airspace over Qatar, Bahrain, and Kuwait also reopened. UAE authorities have urged travelers to confirm flight details with their airlines and arrive early at airports.

Conflict

As Conflict Rages, Kazakhstan Evacuates Citizens from Lebanon

Kazakhstan has evacuated several dozen Kazakh citizens and their family members from Lebanon, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Monday. It cited “escalating tensions in the Middle East,” a reference to fighting between Israel and its Iran-backed enemies, including Hezbollah in Lebanon. “This operation was organized through Istanbul and Dubai, resulting in the safe return of 41 people to Astana and Almaty from Beirut between October 17-31, 2024,” the ministry said in a statement. “The evacuation was conducted to protect the rights and interests of citizens of the Republic of Kazakhstan who were in the conflict zone,” it said. Other countries have also organized evacuations of their citizens from Lebanon. Türkiye assisted in the air evacuations of more than 2,000 people from 21 countries, including Uzbekistan, Türkiye’s state Anadolu Agency reported last month. Israeli air strikes have pounded parts of Lebanon and Israeli forces launched a ground incursion into southern Lebanon last month, a year after Hezbollah started firing rockets and other projectiles into Israel in support of Iran-backed Hamas in Gaza. The Hezbollah action was a show of solidarity with Hamas in the war that broke out after its Oct. 7, 2023 attack on Israel. Iran, meanwhile, has directly threatened Israel with retaliation for Israeli air strikes on Iranian targets last month, the latest in a series of tit-for-tat attacks between the two adversaries. The United States said it was sending more military aircraft to the region to deter Iran.