Kazakhstan's Emergencies Ministry said on December 27 that heavy snowfalls and blizzards killed two people in the northern region of Qostanai. According to the ministry, rescuers found the bodies of an elderly woman and her 11-year-old grandchild, who had gone missing the day before after they left for a nearby village from which they planned to hitch a ride to the regional capital, Qostanai. However, the region was suddenly hit by heavy snowfall and a blizzard, and the two most likely lost their way, authorities said. According to preliminary investigations, the woman and her grandchild died of hypothermia. To read the original story by RFE/RL's Kazakh Service, click here.
