Severe winter weather has caused major disruptions in Kazakhstan, where a powerful blizzard left eight vehicles stranded on the Kalbatau-Ayagoz highway in the Abai Region.

Despite official warnings about road closures, seven passenger cars and one truck set out on the route and became trapped in deep snowdrifts, The Caspian Post reports via Kazakh media.

Rescuers from the Ministry of Emergency Situations successfully evacuated 20 people from the snowbound vehicles.

Due to worsening weather conditions, three major national highways in the region have been closed. Meteorologists warn that blizzard conditions are expected to persist for several more days, significantly complicating travel.

Forecasters also predict a sharp deterioration in weather across the region through February 11, urging drivers to heed safety warnings and avoid long-distance travel during the storm.