Santa Claus and the Snow Maiden got lost, prompting rescuers to launch a special operation to find them.

Despite the storm warning for strong winds and blizzards issued in the region, Santa Claus and the Snow Maiden went to the morning festivities, disregarding the recommendations from rescuers, reports IA "NewTimes.kz".

Due to poor visibility, the fairy tale characters became lost in the forest and were unable to find their way.

“Rescuers, with the help of a canine unit, located the travelers and evacuated them from the forest area using all-terrain vehicles. The roles of the New Year's heroes were played by employees of the Ministry of Emergency Situations, who aimed to draw citizens' attention to the importance of adhering to safety measures and listening to rescuers' advice during bad weather to avoid risking their lives,” said a statement from the Ministry of Emergency Situations of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

It is worth noting that in the Zhetysu region, rescuers also freed another 26 individuals from the snow trap.

Earlier, truck drivers from several countries got stuck in snowdrifts in the Zhetysu region. Thirty trucks and one passenger car were caught in a snowdrift on the Irgaity section of the Usharal-Dostyk road. A blizzard and heavy snowfall were raging on the highway.

Additionally, a truck overturned onto its trailer on the Almaty – Khorgos highway.

The Ministry of Emergency Situations of the Republic of Kazakhstan explained how they penalize those who travel on closed roads.