Mesmerizing video of the Esentai River sparks discussion online

Tengrinews.kz — A video showing an unusually powerful flow of water and ice on the Esentai River in Almaty has gone viral on social media. City emergency services have commented on the situation.
On January 18, a video filmed on the Esentai River began circulating online. The footage shows an intense current with chunks of ice moving rapidly downstream. The strength of the flow surprised many users, with some even suggesting the video might have been generated by artificial intelligence.
Officials from Almaty’s Emergency Situations Department moved quickly to reassure residents, stating that as of January 19 the situation remains under control.
What caused the phenomenon
According to Almaty’s Department of Ecology and Environment, the video captures a natural seasonal phenomenon known as slush ice flow.

“On January 18, 2026, during routine monitoring of the Esentai River channel — from Zhamakayev Street to the settling basin south of Al-Farabi Avenue — a slush ice flow was recorded,” the department said.

A joint inspection involving emergency services, Kazselezashchita, and Zaman Kurylis LLP found that the slush ice movement began upstream of Zhamakayev Street.
Specialists noted that previously installed flow stabilizers and river spurs helped slow the current and prevented any flooding risk.

“At present, the hydrological situation in this section of the river is stable,” officials confirmed.

What is slush ice flow
Experts explained that slush ice flow is a regular winter phenomenon.

“The hydraulic structures operated as designed and prevented slush ice from reaching urban infrastructure. These facilities were built in advance and effectively performed their protective function,” the department said.

Note: Slush ice flow refers to the movement of small, loose ice particles on the surface of and within a river’s current.