The network of seismic stations of LLP "National Scientific Centre for Seismological Observations and Research" (NNCSSOR) of the Ministry of Emergency Situations has recorded an earthquake in the south of Kazakhstan. The epicentre was located approximately 323 km from Almaty.
According to the press service of the Ministry of Emergency Situations, the greatest intensity of the earthquake was felt in the Zhambyl Region. Thus, 5 points were recorded in the village of Merke, Merke District. In the village of Kulan, T. Ryskulov District, the force of the tremors was 4 points. In the cities of Taraz and Shu – 2 points. In Korday and Moyynkum districts also – 2 points.
An operational headquarters to monitor the seismic situation has been set up at the command centre of the Ministry of Emergency Situations of Kazakhstan.
The Vice-Minister for Emergency Situations, Batyrbek Abdyshev, held a working meeting and a video conference with territorial divisions.
"There has been no information about casualties. Life-support facilities are operating as normal. The Ministry of Emergency Situations of Kazakhstan continues to monitor the situation. The situation remains stable. Rescue units are on standby to respond if necessary", the message states.
The regional akimat reported a crack on the wall of the House of Culture in the village of Karakystak, T. Ryskulov District, the building of the Merke District Hospital, and a school building in the village of Oytal. Information about other facilities is being clarified.
Recall that at the beginning of last year, an earthquake occurred 264 km from Almaty with a magnitude of 6.7 points. The felt intensity was assessed at 5 points at the time. Subsequent aftershocks were also recorded.
After the earthquake, city residents had many questions for the authorities in Almaty. For example, residents of the metropolis were puzzled as to why the public warning system for emergencies did not activate.
The then-head of the Department of Emergency Situations of Almaty, Nurlan Atygayev, stated that "sirens are only triggered when earthquakes with a force of more than 5.5 points are recorded", whereas, according to his assurances, the amplitude at that time was only 4-5 points.
Furthermore, residents of the southern capital complained about not receiving SMS alerts about the earthquake in a timely manner. The Department of Emergency Situations told them that mobile network operators were unable to process the information quickly, meaning urgent information was delayed.
At a meeting on seismic safety issues, President Tokayev criticised the work of the authorised agencies and instructed Anticor together with the Prosecutor General's Office to investigate what the budget funds allocated for the warning system had been spent on. It was noted that the Minister of Emergency Situations, Syrym Sharipkhanov, was later dismissed from his post.
In July, a comprehensive plan for the development of the seismological industry for 2024-2028 was adopted in Kazakhstan. The corresponding resolution was signed by the Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Olzhas Bektenov.