Marek Kučera 
On June 1, 2025, the Naryn region of Kyrgyzstan situated around 2000 MASL experienced an unexpected heavy snowfall that caused significant challenges for local shepherds and transportation. The Ministry of Emergency Situations of Kyrgyzstan reported that a shepherd became stuck on the Arpa pasture due to a sudden and severe change in weather conditions accompanied by heavy snow.
The emergency call center, 112 service, received a distress message about the trapped shepherd, prompting a swift response. At the time, six other individuals were present on the nearby Ak-Sai pasture. All affected herders were reached by rescuers and border guards, who provided necessary first aid and ensured their safety amid the harsh conditions.
In addition to the rescue efforts, the community rallied to support the herders. The head of Kazybek village personally delivered hay to feed the animals stranded in the snow-covered pastures, ensuring their well-being during the difficult period.
The snowfall was not limited to the pastures alone. The Bishkek-Naryn-Torugart highway, a crucial transport route in the region, also saw significant snow accumulation between kilometers 537 and 544. The snow depth reached between 15 to 20 centimeters, causing disruptions and making travel difficult. To restore safe passage, a grader was deployed to clear the roadway, allowing vehicles to continue their journey.
This event highlights the vulnerability of pastoral communities in mountainous regions to sudden weather changes, especially during the early summer months when snowfall is usually uncommon, especially after record-breaking Spring 2025 heatwaves, with temperatures up to +46°C in Central Asia (or +44°C in Kazakhstan). The quick action by emergency services and local support played a critical role in minimizing risks to human and animal life.
As climate variability leads to more unpredictable weather patterns, such incidents underscore the importance of preparedness and efficient response systems in remote highland areas like Naryn.
Summer snowfall in Naryn from 2013. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/kyrgyzstan-naryn-summer-snow/25023082.html
Illustration picture: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=2685855088167557&id=363108203775602&set=a.363114797108276
