AKTAU, KAZAKHSTAN – A significant power outage struck the coastal city of Aktau today, leaving more than 18,000 residents in the dark following an emergency shutdown at a local electrical substation.

Local news reports indicate that the incident occurred at one of the city's key substations, causing a widespread disruption to the electricity supply. The specific cause of the failure is under investigation.

Utility crews have been dispatched and are working urgently to diagnose the problem and restore power to the affected neighborhoods. The exact timeline for full restoration remains unclear at this time.

Residents and visitors in Aktau are advised to conserve battery power on electronic devices and monitor local channels for updates. This outage may impact local businesses and services in the affected areas. Authorities are expected to provide further information as repair efforts progress.