Footage of large ice blocks surging down Esentai River in Almaty

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Dramatic footage shows large blocks of ice suddenly surging downstream along the Esentai River (also known as the Yesentai River) in Almaty, Kazakhstan, during the evening, on Sunday Jan 18, 2026. The video captures chunks of ice breaking free and moving rapidly with the current, prompting concern among nearby residents and onlookers along the riverbanks. Local authorities have not immediately commented on the cause of the ice movement or whether any damage was reported. The date the video was taken could not be independently verified.