Aralsk

Aralsk (Kazakh: Арал= Aral, Russian: Аральск = Aral'sk) Template:Coor dm is a small city in Kazakhstan.

Leave Aralsk ASAP, before any wind, gale or dust devils start.

Arask Railway Station is the main Northern gateway to the Aral Ecological Disaster Zone.

There are serious health problems for tourists and the local population, caused by airborne toxic chemicals exposed to the wind by the retreating waters, and from the physical and biological agents.

February, 1956: Aralsk ground-level atomic explosion

1957-1991: Open-air testing of biological weapons

Population:

(1960) > 100,000 (including tourist)

(2007) < 40,000.

There is a high level of unemployment.

Since the retreat of the Aral Sea, after diversion of the rivers inflow, Aralsk is completely landlocked. In 1980 the Aral Sea could be seen from the town.

Aralsk was formerly a fishing port of the Aral Sea, and was a major supplier of fish to the neighboring region. Like the town of Moynaq to the south of the Aral Sea, it now has discarded rusting fishing boats sitting on what used to be the bed of the Aral Sea.

Don’t eat poisonous fish that the local impoverished population grows in contaminated lakes, ponds and salt pans. Take with you all water you need for personal use and drinks. Any mask or air filter will not protect you here.

External links

• WEATHER TODAY and forecast: [1]
• Погода в г. Аральск: [2]
• Climate and views today [3]
• Aral Ecological Disaster Zone.[4]
• Open-air testing of biological weapons. [5]
• CHEMICAL AND RADIATION EFFECTS ON CHILDREN IN ARAL.[6]

Notes for editors:

This article must be re-edited every year because situation in the Aral Zone is changing very fast.

Please insert any high resolution satellite image for 20007+.