Kazakhstan intensifies seismic monitoring as 5.2-magnitude earthquake hits south

The Ministry of Emergency Situations (MES) of Kazakhstan has set up an operational headquarters to monitor the seismic situation following an earthquake that affected several cities and villages in the southern part of the country, including Almaty.

"An operational headquarters to monitor the seismic situation has been established at the MES command center. Under the chairmanship of the Deputy Minister for Emergency Situations of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Batyrbek Abdychev, a working meeting and video conference were held with territorial units," the ministry's statement said, Caliber.Az reports via Kazakh media.

The press service clarified that no information about casualties had been received, and vital infrastructure was functioning normally. "Rescue units are on standby to respond if necessary," the MES assured.

At 03:42 Astana time (02:42 Baku time), a magnitude 5.2 earthquake was recorded in Kazakhstan. According to the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre, the epicenter was located 23 km southwest of the village of Merke, where 15,900 people reside. The focus of the quake was at a depth of 8 km.

The ministry's seismic station network clarified that the earthquake, measuring 4 on the scale, was also felt in the village of Kulan in the Zhambyl region of Kazakhstan. Shocks of 2 magnitude were felt in the cities of Shu, Taraz, as well as in the villages of Tolebi, Sarykemer, Kordai, Asa, Moyinkum in the region, and in Almaty. No information about casualties or damage has been received.

By Khagan Isayev